Quick-thinking passers-by chased down and caught an attacker targeting a homeless man. Shaun Brown (36) injured his victim by stabbing him with a bottle in an unprovoked attack.

According to police, Brown hit the unnamed 43-year-old man twice with a clear bottle, breaking it. He then used the broken bottle to stab his victim in the head, causing serious injuries.

Brown fled but was followed by members of the public and arrested. They held him until the police arrived.

The incident happened outside a shop in Worthing, West Sussex, last October. Unemployed Brown, from Worthing, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison by Lewes Crown Court last month – four years in prison and three years probation.

Det Con Lynnette Atkins said: “This was a shocking attack on a homeless person in the city center on a busy Saturday afternoon and was seen by many. Fortunately, the accused was quickly apprehended by some quick-thinking members of the public, and I would like to thank them for their actions.

“I want to reassure the public that this type of behavior will not be tolerated at all and we will do everything in our power to deal forcefully with offenders and bring them to justice.”