Man seriously injured in mauling by dogs on Brighton beach

A man is seriously injured in hospital after being attacked by two dogs on the beach in Brighton this morning (Friday 18 May).

A police officer was also bitten on the leg and needed hospital treatment.

Another man was arrested and two dogs were taken away by Sussex Police who called in a firearms unit and a specialist dog unit because of concerns about the dogs’ aggressive behaviour.

The attack happened at about 6.15am near the Palace Pier.The victim of the attack, a man in his thirties, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The arrested man, a 40-year-old from Brighton, was held on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm, having a dog dangerously out of control, having a knife and having class A drugs.

He is still in custody.

Sussex Police said that the victim and arrested man were believed to be known to each other.

Detective Inspector Ian Still, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “This appears to be a very nasty attack by two dogs on a man.“We are in the early stages of our investigation and we are still trying to work out why this incident has taken place.

“I would appeal for anyone with information about this attack to contact police.

“I am particularly appealing for a black man who was talking to council workers at the scene to contact us as we believe he may have seen how the attack started.

“We believe that these two men knew each other and we would also like to hear from anyone who may have known what they were doing on the beach.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.