POLICE are investigating an attack on a BBC journalist just moments before she went on air.

BBC South East political editor Lauren Moss shared her experience on Twitter and said she was "shaken up" by the experience.

Moss said: "A member of the public threw a cup of hot chocolate at me and screamed abuse about how he hates the BBC, literally moments before I went on air for BBC South East this lunchtime."

Police said the incident took place around 1.30pm at Royal Pavilion Gardens in Brighton on Wednesday.

The incident comes as the Government contemplates the future of the licence-fee funding model.venue'

Ms Moss came away unscathed but said she was lucky the hot drink hit her coat and not her face.

She said she had received hundreds of messages of support from colleagues and followers.

Her BBC colleague Marcella Whittingdale replied: "You were so amazing - we had no idea until we came off air and were told by the editor what had happened moments before your report."

BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen said: "Blame those who are inciting hostility to media and particularly the BBC."

BBC journalist and media analyst Alistair Coleman added: "I've spent a media news career documenting assaults on journalists around the globe, and it brings despair to see it happening in this country."

Chief Superintendent Nick May, of Sussex Police, wrote: "Lauren. Please do report this incident to Sussex Police. Online via our website or via 101.

"This is totally unacceptable in Brighton or anywhere and is an assault."

Sussex police said enquiries are ongoing and urged anyone who witnessed the incident to report it online or call 101.