Teenage girls attack foreign student in Brighton

Two teenage girls attacked a South Korean student in Brighton and tried to steal her mobile phone.

The 26-year-old student was walking along Lewes Road close to Gladstone Place when she was approached by two girls, aged about 16, who had got off a number 25 bus.

They tried to trick the victim into handing over her mobile phone but when she refused they attacked her, tried to grab her handbag and then fled.

The victim was left shaken but unhurt during the incident at about 11.30pm on Friday 4 April.

The first teenager was described as white, about 5ft 4in tall, of average build and with shoulder-length black hair. She was wearing dark clothing and sunglasses.

The second teenager was described as described as white, about 5ft 4in tall, of slightly chunky build and with shoulder-length blonde hair. She was wearing dark clothing.

A 16-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery. She was questioned before being released on bail until Friday 9 May while officers carry out further inquiries.

PC Matt Smith said: “There were a number of people in the area at the time, both at the Gladstone Pub and walking home and I’d like to speak to as many of them as I can.

“I believe the victim was targeted because the offenders thought they could take advantage of her for being foreign.

“Please contact me if you saw or heard any of what happened or recognise the description of the offenders.”

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.