Two women were attacked and robbed in a Hove street just a few hours apart in the early hours of yesterday morning (Saturday 31 March).
The first incident happened at about 2am when a 41-year-old local woman was walking towards the south end of Adelaide Crescent.
She turned round to challenge three teenagers who she believed were following her.
Two of the boys ran off but the third pushed her against a wall and stole her handbag.
The suspect was described as white, 15 or 16 years old, 5ft 5in tall, of medium build and dark haired.
He was wearing a light grey hoodie and spoke with a local accent.
Then at about 4am a 42-year-old woman was walking towards the seafront near the bottom of the crescent when she was approached by a man who asked for change.
When the victim said no, she was pushed to the ground and a struggle for her bag ensued.
Her bag strap broke and the offender fled in unknown direction.
The offender was described as white, 25 to 30 years old, 5ft 9in tall and of medium build. He spoke with a local accent.
Detective Inspector Ian Still, from Brighton and Hove CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for both victims, who are receiving support and help from officers.
“While keeping an open mind, we are at this stage linking the incidents due to the location, timing and the discovery of property from both robberies being found in the same area of the crescent.
“High-visibility patrols will continue in the area along with house-to-house inquiries and the viewing of CCTV.”
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police by calling 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
