Sussex Police seek cyclist who launched "ride by" attack on another rider in Newhaven

Police in Newhaven, East Sussex, are trying to track down a cyclist who launched an unprovoked attack on another bike rider last Thursday, leaving the victim needing stitches to facial injuries sustained in the incident.

The assault took place last Thursday lunchtime at around 12.20pm in The Drove. The 22-year-old victim, who comes from Seaford, was treated afterwards at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

"This was a most unusual assault,” commented PC Simon Burrows of Sussex Police.

“The victim doesn't know his attacker and was just cycling along when he was suddenly struck with some force.

"He required stitches for a cut to his face and also suffered swelling around his mouth and left eye."

Police say that the man who launched what they have described as a "ride by" attack was cycling in the opposite direction to the victim.

They described him as “a black man, around 6' 2", with a ponytail or long braids, wearing a cycling helmet and cycling shorts and heading towards Newhaven centre.”

Anyone who saw the incident or who recognises the description of the man police are seeking is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 675 of 13/09.