Detectives question knifepoint robbery suspect over five hold-ups in Brighton

A Brighton man is being questioned by detectives about five robberies at knifepoint after being arrested early this morning (Thursday 9 January).

The 25-year-old was arrested shortly before 2am today in Ewart Street on suspicion of robbing three people and trying to rob two more.

All the hold-ups took place in the Hanover area of Brighton or its immediate surrounds.

Sussex Police said: “The first robbery involved a 19-year-old who was walking into John Street at about 1.30am on Sunday (5 January) at the junction of Sussex Street when a man armed with a knife stopped him and demanded money.

“He handed over his wallet and the suspect ran off along John Street.

“In the second incident a 19-year-old woman was walking in St Martin’s Place, off Lewes Road, at 4.15am on Sunday (6 January) when she was approached by a man from behind who demanded she hand over her purse.

“When she said she had none, he said he would walk her to a cashpoint but he fled emptyhanded after seeing a group of people nearby.

“The third incident happened in Carlyle Avenue at 9.45pm on Sunday when a man threatened a 40-year-old woman with a knife and stole her handbag.

“The fourth incident happened at 10.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 January) when a man threatened a 22-year-old woman in Windmill Street and ran off with her handbag.

“In the fifth incident at 1.45am today a 25-year-old woman was approached by a man in Lincoln Street at the junction with Islingword Road who threatened her and demanded that she hand over her handbag.

“The woman screamed and the man ran off emptyhanded.

“None of the victims were hurt.”

Detective Sergeant Duncan Elliott said: “Although we have arrested a suspect we are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the area during any of the incidents who we have not yet spoken to.

“There may be some witnesses who have not yet come forward or there could be further victims who have been too embarrassed to tell us what has happened to them.

“Please contact us if you have any information at all that could help us with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.