Reports have emerged of an incident involving a woman and her canine companion reportedly being attacked by several youths in the vicinity of a supermarket in Newhaven.

Footage has been circulating on social media platforms depicting what appears to be two juveniles striking the woman and delivering kicks to her dog near the Morrisons store entrance.

According to the account, a male member of the supermarket staff subsequently intervened on behalf of the woman, which resulted in the group of onlookers dispersing from the scene.

Sussex law enforcement confirmed awareness of the footage depicting an assault on a woman along Newhaven High Street at approximately 8pm on Monday, August 24.

A police spokesperson indicated that the recording additionally appeared to show the dog being kicked during the altercation.

Lewes Neighbourhood Policing Inspector John Adams commented that officers were actively working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

He stated that investigators recognised the footage might prove distressing to those who had viewed it, and appealed for anyone possessing relevant information or additional recordings to get in touch with authorities.

The force indicated that further developments would be shared as the investigation continues.

The circulating video prompted substantial online reaction, with social media users expressing condemnation of those allegedly responsible while offering support to the apparent victims and commendation for the supermarket employee who stepped in during the altercation.

Those with information or relevant footage have been asked to report it to police through their online reporting portal or by telephoning the non-emergency number, citing reference 47260200170.