An East Sussex man today spoke of his shock after his son was brutally beaten by thugs.

Paul Titherington, 25, was savagely attacked by two men in a pub toilet on New Year's Eve and left semi-conscious.

His father Philip, of Hayland Green, Hailsham, said he had had little contact with his son since divorcing Paul's mother but had visited his hospital bedside since the attack.

His son, himself a father, has not yet gained full consciousness but his condition was today described as stable and comfortable.

The attack victim's wife Kate is anxiously awaiting news at their home in Bayham Road, Hailsham.

Mr Titherington said: "I had occasional contact with him, but we didn't see each other very much.

"It did come as a shock to me. You don't expect something like that to happen to anyone, especially on New Year's Eve."

His son had two brothers and a sister who had also been left shocked by the attack.

An Eastbourne District General Hospital spokesman said Mr Titherington had suffered bruising and swelling to his brain and was undergoing tests to determine the extent of the damage.

His family was due to visit him today.

The 25-year-old father was kicked and punched in toilets at The George Hotel, George Street, Hailsham while out celebrating the New Year with friends.

A woman member of the group heard shouting and raised the alarm.

One of Mr Titherington's friends went to investigate and found him being beaten by two men, who fled the scene.

The attackers are described as being between 17 and 19, wearing padded jackets and baseball caps.

They are believed to have been in the pub with two other men and two women.

Police today asked anyone with any information to call 0845 6070999 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.