A man was left with a broken nose and jaw after he was attacked outside a nightclub in Hastings.
Police said the 28-year-old man was kicked in the head by two offenders near the rear entrance to the Crypt in Havelock Road at 0130 BST on Saturday.
The victim also suffered "substantial" bruising to his face and body.
Two men were arrested over the attack but have been released on bail. Police want to trace a taxi driver who had alerted two officers on foot patrol.
Police said they believe the assault was witnessed by a number of people.