Littlehampton; Marines Attacked

10 October 2013, 15:14 | Updated: 10 October 2013, 15:23

Five off-duty Royal Marines were attacked by a gang of men after leaving a nightclub in a seaside town.

It is believed the Marines were in Littlehampton, West Sussex, for a ceremony to accept the freedom of the resort, Sussex Police said.

The five, aged 20 to 35, were walking back to their accommodation after leaving the Coco Lounge when they were attacked.

Police said a number of men believed to be local to the area set upon the Marines in Church Street between 2.20am and 2.40am on Saturday.

The five Marines were treated at Worthing Hospital for injuries including a broken nose, bruising and cuts, but were discharged the same night.

Pc Hayley Noyes, of Sussex Police, said: "We believe the incident followed an altercation in the Coco Lounge earlier in the evening.''

Two men - one aged 20 from Angmering and a 22-year-old from Littlehampton - were arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and affray respectively.

Police said the pair have been released on bail until November 8, pending further inquiries, as officers appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.