A detective investigating an attack on a man walking home after a night out said today: "I have never seen such bruises."

Alex Sharpe, 27, was assaulted by two or three men in Heene Road, Worthing, and beaten semi-conscious.

He suffered severe bruising to his head, face and chest and believes he was struck by a bottle during the frenzied attack, which took place at 1.30am on Saturday.

Detective Constable Kim Clinch, who is in charge of the investigation, said: "It was a brutal attack, with the men leaving him in a semi-conscious state. I have never seen such bruises."

Mr Sharpe, a quality controller who works at Shoreham Airport said he was walking home after having a few beers at the Burlington Hotel, near Heene Terrace.

He said: "I walked round the corner and saw a group of two or three males and two females, all in their early 20s. They said something to me and I said something back and they just attacked me."

Mr Sharpe said he did not know how long the attack lasted or whether a weapon was used.

He suffered severe bruising, cuts and bruises, and was treated at Worthing Hospital, where medics at first feared he had a ruptured spleen and possible brain damage.

Following a scan Mr Sharpe was given the all-clear and allowed to leave hospital the following day.

DC Clinch said: "If anyone saw the attack or has information, they should call me on 0845 6070999."