A 35-year-old man was left needing stitches after being hit over the head and robbed in Brighton in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 4 July).
The victim was walking along Upper Hollingdean Road towards Lewes Road at about 12.15am when he came across two men kicking an unattended taxi near the CityClean depot in Hollingdean Road.
He told officers that the men asked him the time and also to see his phone. He refused to show them his phone and they swore at him.
One of them produced a weapon which looked like a silver handgun and hit him over the head with it. Both suspects then ran off and a passerby went the victim’s aid.
Detective Sergeant Duncan Elliott, who is leading the investigation, said: “This appears to be a vicious unprovoked attack that has left the victim needing stitches for a head wound and he is understandably very shaken by the whole incident.
“We are in the process of viewing CCTV from the area and local inquiries and forensic examinations are continuing to today.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw the attack to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in the number 50 bus that drove past when the attack happened, a woman with pink hair who was seen near Roedale Road and the member of public who helped the victim.”
The good Samaritan was described as a white male, 23 to 30 years old, 5ft 10in tall and of muscular build. He was wearing a light-coloured t-shirt, hooded top and large headphones and glasses.
Both suspects were described as in their early to mid twenties. One was described as black, 5ft 11in tall, of medium build and with short afro hair. He was wearing a black baseball cap, Barbour-style coat and dark trousers.
The other was described as white and with short dark hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt, blue hoody and dark trousers.
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
