The 40-year-old was knocked to the floor and kicked in the head after getting into an argument with three teenagers in Selden Park, off Littlehampton Road, at around 9.10pm on June 28.

Sergeant Nick Bowman of Worthing Police said the situation erupted when the youths blocked the man's path and refused to let him past.

He said: "It then escalated into a verbal argument, then turned into the kids threatening the guy and ultimately he was punched to the head and knocked to the floor and kicked.

"It was quite a nasty assault and affected the man quite a bit, especially as he was with his family."

Stitches

The man was left with a cut about an inch long next to his eye which needed four stitches.

There is also a risk he has suffered permanent facial nerve damage.

Police have released a description of the boy, thought to be aged 16, who it is believed carried out the assault.

Another boy on a bike and a girl on foot of a similar age witnessed the incident but are not thought to have taken part.

Descriptions

The attacker is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, with short blond hair.

He was wearing dark coloured tracksuit trousers and trainers and was riding a bicycle.

Most distinctively, he had a plaster and what appeared to be a number of stitches on his chin.

Appeal

PC Chris Callaghan said: "I would appeal for anyone with any information about this youth to contact the police.

"There won't be many 16 year olds currently with stitches on their chin in Worthing, so someone will know who this youth is."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6070 999 quote serial 2029.


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