The attack happened at around 3am on Friday (July 25) outside St Paul's Church, Chapel Road, shortly after two groups of people left the Liquid Lounge nightclub in nearby Chatsworth Road.

A Nigerian man was walking with two black women when he was attacked by two white men following an argument.

He suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Worthing Hospital for treatment, where his condition has since been described as critical but stable.

Police said CCTV footage of the attack showed the victim's group were followed by a white woman and a black man, with a group of two white men and a white woman were walking nearby.

Immediately after the attack, the two offenders ran into Ambrose Place and were chased for a short distance by one of the white men and the black man from these nearby groups.

Police arrested an eastern European man at an address in Worthing on Sunday evening (July 26). He is currently being questioned by officers from Sussex Police Major Crime Branch.

The second man involved in the attack is still being sought.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley, who is leading the investigation, said: "This attack has resulted in serious injury to the victim who remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

"It is vital that we trace all the witnesses at the scene, and in particular the members of the public who gave chase to the two offenders immediately after the attack occurred.

"I appeal for these individuals to contact us. At this point, although the motivation for the attack is not clear, it has been classified as a racist incident and will be investigated on this basis until the motivation is fully established."

Police can be contacted on 0845 60 70 999, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting Operation Wroxham.



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