Police are treating the beating of a man as a case of attempted murder.

Michael Reynolds, 49, was fighting for his life in hospital last night.

He was found lying unconscious with serious head wounds in Bedford Row, Worthing, at 1am on Monday.

Police today released new information, including a description of the victim, in the hope of tracing witnesses.

Mr Reynolds is 5ft 9in, stocky, and was wearing a blazer with a parachute regimental badge, collar and tie.

He was seen in the Waterfront Pub in Marine Parade, Worthing, between 8pm and 9pm on Sunday, then at a disco at the Windsor Hotel between 11pm and midnight, and lastly at the Blue Ocean fish bar in South Street between 12.30am and 1am before he made his way back to Bedford Row.

Police want to speak to two men, one white and the other black, a couple who were in the fish bar, and an elderly man waiting outside, while the victim was inside.

Detective Superintendent Steve Scott, heading the inquiry, said: "We also want to speak to anyone who saw Mr Reynolds walking from the fish bar to Bedford Row and anyone who knows him and saw him that evening.

"Until we know what happened we are treating this as a case of attempted murder."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6070999.