Police in Eastbourne fear a man may have been bundled into a car and abducted after being beaten by a gang of thugs.

Witnesses saw a man assaulted at 6.45am today in Devonshire Place.

Detective Inspector Adam Hibbert said: "We have great concern for the welfare of the victim in this case.

"A number of lines of inquiry are under way to establish exactly what happened to him but we need the public's assistance to get to the bottom of this incident.

"Equally, if you are the victim and are safe and well, or if you have any information, we need to hear from you urgently."

Police are trying to trace a dark coloured G-registration Audi, seen driving along Trinity Trees and parking in Devonshire Place.

Four men are being sought in connection with the assault.

The first had dark hair and wore a dark T-shirt with light sleeves and dark trousers.

A second man had dark hair and wore a cream top and dark jacket.

The third wore a light-coloured hood top, cream trousers and a dark jacket with light coloured sleeves. The fourth man wore a dark top and blue jeans.

Two hatchback drivers and a pedestrian seen in the area are asked to come forward as potential witnesses.

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555111.