Two held up at knifepoint in Brighton

Two people were held up at knifepoint in Brighton in separate robberies within hours of each other.

Sussex Police said that the two robberies may be linked and urged witnesses to come forward.

The first hold-up happened at about 1.30am on Sunday (5 January) as a 19-year-old man walked into John Street, Brighton, by the corner of Sussex Street.

A man with a knife stopped him and demanded money.

After he handed over his wallet, the suspect ran off along John Street. A group of youths are believed to have seen him running off.

A few hours later, at 4.15am, a man went up behind a 19-year-old woman as she walked along Lewes Road and told her to hand over her purse.

She said that she didn’t have one. The robber said that he would walk her to a cash machine.

As they started to walk, the victim saw a group of people and ran towards them. The suspect ran off across Lewes Road and up St Martin’s Street.

Sussex Police said that neither victim was hurt.

The suspect was described as white, 5ft 5in tall, in his early twenties and with a small face. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper, with the hood up, and tracksuit trousers.

Detective Constable Paul Clements said: “We believe the two robberies may be linked.

“In both cases there were groups of people near by and we are appealing for witnesses to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.