HORRIFIC footage shows a fight breaking out near Hove Lawns.

It sees former Tory council candidate Rico Wojtulewicz getting assaulted in Grand Avenue, Hove yesterday evening.

The video shows a bare-chested male hitting Rico repeatedly in the face, putting him in a headlock, kneeing him in the body, and raining punches on him as onlookers shriek and shout “stop”.

Others gathered on the grass get involved, and one man in a vest appears to punch Rico on the back of the head.

Rico was left with a bloody nose.

Wish ward Councillor Robert Nemeth condemned what he called the “appalling behaviour” of the group and praised Rico for being “heroic”.

It is understood the Chief Superintendent of Sussex Police is investigating.

Anyone who witnessed the incident can contact the force online or call 101.