A gang of youths followed a teenager before punching him and trying to drag him down an alleyway.

The driver of a black car who stopped to help the 16-year-old victim in Hove is now being urged to come forward by police.

The Good Samaritan driver is thought to be called Reuben but officers have no other information. The incident occurred at around 5.30pm on Saturday, May 23, shortly after the victim, from Brighton, alighted a 49 bus and walked along the B2066 New Church Road.

The driver noticed noticed the boy was being followed by four youths of a similar age. One of them punched him, causing facial injuries, and tried to pull him into an alleyway in nearby Aymer Road.

The kind-hearted motorist saw the victim in distress and drove him home.

He is being asked to contact police by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phoning 101, quoting serial 1309 of 23/5. Similarly, anyone else who saw what happened is asked to contact police in the same way.

Police have arrested and interviewed a 16-year-old Brighton boy in connection with the assault. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.