Three men frogmarched a 19-year-old Brighton man from the marina to Whitehawk, threatened him and robbed him.
They stole the teenager’s wallet and cigarettes in the robbery which happened last Wednesday (4 July), Sussex Police said today (Wednesday 11 July).
The suspects approached the victim at about 8.15pm after getting off the number 7 bus outside the casino.
He was then made to walk through the alleyway under Cineworld and into Manor Place and various other locations in Whitehawk he was robbed.
The teenager ran off when thet reached a block of flats in Donald Hall Road, making his way to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where the police were called.
Detective Constable Rowan Carter, from Brighton and Hove CID, said: “This was a distressing experience for the victim who is very vulnerable despite his age but fortunately he was not physically harmed.
“We are appealing for anyone who knows those responsible for this robbery to please come forward and in particular a young woman who shouted out to the suspects as they ran off.”
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
One of the suspects was described as a 19 or 20-year-old skinny mixed race man, about 6ft tall. He was wearing a white hooded jacket and purple shorts.
Another was described as a slightly younger slim blond white man. He was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved T-shirt, navy blue jeans and navy blue shoes. He had a set of white headphones peaking out of his shirt.
A 21-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed until Thursday 19 July pending further inquiries.
