Foreign students robbed at knifepoint in Hove

Three men robbed two foreign students at knifepoint in Hove yesterday (Thursday 12 July).

They stole mobile phones from the two Turkish students in Boundary Road between 3am and 3.30am.

The students – a 19-year-old and a 21-year-old – were asked for cigarettes and the time as they walked along the road where Hove and Portslade meet.

As one of the students went to check the time, one of the thieves grabbed his mobile phone and refused to give it back.

He then asked the other student for his phone. When he refused, the thief threatened him with a knife.

The three men, who were said to be 18 to 20 years old, then headed off along New Church Road.

The man with the knife was described as a tall slim white man. He had green eyes and was about 6ft 2in to 6ft 4in tall. He spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing blue jeans, a grey puffa style coat or a light brown zip-up hooded top with the hood pulled up so that only his eyes and nose were showing.

The second man was described as a 5ft 10in tall white man of average build. He also had a local accent.

He was wearing blue jeans too and a black zip-up hooded top with the hood pulled up covering his head and most of his face.

The third man was described as a 5ft 10in tall black man of average build. He had brown eyes, short black afro hair and a short moustache.

He was wearing a white hooded top and blue jeans.

Sussex Police asked any witnesses to ring 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.