Good samaritan suffers broken jaw after defending woman from gang in Hove

A “good samaritan” suffered a broken jaw after trying to defend a woman from a gang in Hove.

The victim was outside Misty’s in Church Road, Hove, at 2.30am on Sunday 19 January when he saw a woman being confronted by a group of seven or eight men in the street.

The woman had been surrounded and when the 43-year-old tried to help her he was threatened and then punched in the face.

The victim suffered a broken jaw and chin. The attacker ran away.

The men in the gang were believed to be 18 to 23 years old and black. One of them had dreadlocks.

The attacker was described as in his early twenties, 5ft 8in tall and with short dark hair.

Detective Constable Jane Everson said: “The victim was attacked for trying to help a woman who was being insulted and abused by the men.

“He had to go to hospital to have metal plates put into his jaw and is in a great deal of pain.

“I’m keen to speak to anyone who was in Church Road and could have seen the incident or the attacker running off afterwards.

“This was an unprovoked attack and I am determined to catch those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.