Police are requesting public assistance and information regarding an assault on a teenage boy in Brighton.

The incident occurred near St Peter’s Church, where the 17-year-old was walking alone. He was approached by an unidentified man at a pedestrian crossing.

The assault took place as the teenager was crossing the road towards St Peter’s House Library on Richmond Terrace, around 4pm on Tuesday, January 2.

After the incident, library staff cared for the boy before he was transported to a hospital. He received treatment for a serious injury and has now been released.

The assailant is described as a stocky man, possibly of Arab or mixed heritage, in his mid-20s, about 5’6” tall, with a black beard. He was wearing a black jacket and a beanie hat featuring a logo.

Police are urging witnesses or anyone who was driving in the vicinity at the time of the assault to come forward. They are especially interested in obtaining relevant CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam footage.

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by calling 101, referencing serial 932 of 02/01.