Brighton man slashed as he fights off robber

A Brighton man was slashed with a knife during an attempted robbery in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

He suffered a superficial wound to his chest in the attack which took place in St Martin’s Street, Brighton.

The attacker, armed with a flick knife, approached his 24-year-old victim at about 5.30am and told him to hand over his mobile phone.

He refused and they scuffled. As he pushed his attacker away he was slashed.

The victim ran away and could not say in which direction the suspect made off.

Detective Constable Darren Newman, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “This was a nasty incident and fortunately the victim’s wounds were not as serious as they could have been.

“He received medical treatment for a superficial wound to his chest.

“We would like to hear as a matter of urgency from anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack or anyone who has information regarding the identity of the suspect.”

Witnesses were urged to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The suspect was described as black, about 30 years old, about 6ft tall and of muscular build.

He was wearing a black hoody with the hood up covering the top of his face, silvery/grey tracksuit bottoms and blue and white Nike trainers.