Sussex Police said the attacks happened near to Shoreham train station at about 6.25pm on Wednesday, August 2.
A representative for the force said: “A man exited the station and walked into Western Road, where he was approached by a group of youths who attempted to take his tobacco and then assaulted him.
“A second man attempted to intervene and was also assaulted. The victims, aged 38 and 50, sustained facial injuries.
“The youths then dispersed and some of them were located on Shoreham beach a short time later.
“Five teenage boys and one teenage girl were arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed, pending further enquiries.”
Police are requesting anybody with any details, consisting of anybody who caught anything on mobile, CCTV or rush web cam, to come forward.
You can report details online or call 101, pricing estimate serial 1333 of 02/08.