Brighton Police Appeal: Teen Assaulted on Ditchling Road, Witnesses Urged to Come Forward

Sussex Police have launched a public appeal after a 17-year-old student was assaulted in Brighton earlier this month. Officers are calling on witnesses and anyone with footage from the scene to help identify the suspect.

Assault on Ditchling Road

The incident happened on Ditchling Road at around 8:15 pm on Wednesday, 17 September. According to police, the teenager noticed a heated argument between a man and a woman. The man then approached the student and carried out an unprovoked assault, leaving him with visible injuries to his head and face.

The altercation was interrupted when the woman and a friend of the victim stepped in, but both the man and woman fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police Urge Witnesses to Help

Detectives are urging anyone who saw the assault, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, to get in touch. Information can be given through the Sussex Police website or by calling 101 and quoting reference 1296 of 17/09.

“This was a shocking attack on a young student, and we are keen to identify the man involved,” a police spokesperson said. “Even small details could help us progress this investigation.”

Community Concern Over Safety

The incident has raised concern among local residents and students, many of whom regularly use Ditchling Road. Calls have been made for better street lighting and increased patrols to improve safety in the area, particularly during evenings.

Student groups have also reminded the public of the importance of reporting incidents, highlighting how community information often plays a vital role in solving cases.

Why This Matters

The victim is a 17-year-old student, underscoring the seriousness of the crime.

The location — a busy Brighton road — suggests there may be multiple witnesses.

Police are still searching for the suspect, making public cooperation crucial.

Anyone who was in Ditchling Road on the evening of 17 September is urged to check phones, cameras, and dashcams for any recordings that may help the investigation.