The male driver from Brighton had picked up the group at the city's Clock Tower but asked them to leave the vehicle after they began smoking and being abusive.

During the incident, which took place on Tuesday August 19 at 8.45pm, he asked them to stop what they were doing several times. After they continued he stopped at the Toyota garage at South Coast road in Telscombe cliffs, Peacehaven. He told them to leave the vehicle and that they did not have to pay.

Following this the trio attacked the driver, scratching his head and punching him. The driver called police and the call was terminated when his Bluetooth earpiece was ripped from his ear in the scuffle.

He suffered minor scratches to his body and his clothing was ripped.

When police arrived at the scene, the three women had also started fighting amongst themselves and officers had to pull them apart. In the process a female police officer received a slap to her face from one of the women. No injury was sustained.

All three were sprayed in order to detain them and arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The females were aged 25-27 and live in Eastbourne and London.

They have been interviewed and bailed to return to Eastbourne Custody Centre on Wednesday September 24.

There were a number of witnesses among members of the public who walked passed the Toyota Garage. If anyone has any information contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1784 19/09/2008.