Manhunt after woman hurt in vicious attack

Officers are looking for Hurst Green man Simon Bracken, 46, in connection with an assault in the village last month.

Officers were called to an incident at a private address in the village on July 19.

A woman sustained injuries after being struck in the face.

The attacker is known to the victim.

Sussex Police have not released any further information about the incident in order to protect the victim.

Detective Constable Brett White said Simon Bracken has been known to go by an alias.

Police believe he has fled the area and could even be heading out of the country.

DC White said: “The man is known to his victim and we thought that he was initially staying locally, but now believe that he may have the left the area, possibly seeking a lift to Cornwall or even Ireland.

“He also goes under the name Bert or sometimes Bertram Bloomfield.

“He is described as white, 5’ 11”, of medium build with a scar on his upper lip, a skull and eye symbol tattoo on his right arm and a bird of prey tattoo on his chest.

“At the time of the incident, he had long, straggly brown hair with a full beard and moustache, the beard greying.

“However, it is thought that he may now have shaved.

“If you know of his whereabouts please call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 972 of 19/07 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“There is no suggestion that he is any danger to the general public, but if you see him, don’t approach him, but dial 999 immediately.”