Two men robbed a teenage foreign student in Brighton as he walked back to his host family’s home.
The 19-year-old student was attacked at about 12.50am on Sunday 10 November after he was approached by two men.
They asked him to change some money in Church Street close to the St Giles International language school.
Sussex Police said: “He did not understand exactly what they were asking him to do but agreed to exchange a £20 note he had for one the men had that turned out to be counterfeit.
“The men thanked him and walked away but the victim was then approached by the men again in Victoria Gardens and they demanded their money back.
“They tried to grab the student’s wallet and one of the men punched the victim in the face.
“He managed to keep hold of his wallet and ran to a nearby shop where he called police.”
The first attacker was described as black or of mixed race, thin and about 20 years old. He was about 5ft 7in tall and had a goatee beard.
The second attacker was described as white, thin and about 18 years old. He was about 5ft 10in tall and was wearing a light grey hooded top.
Police are considering the possibility that the men could have carried out similar attacks in the area.
Detective Constable Jane Everson said: “The victim is only in Brighton for a few weeks studying but one of the memories he will take home is being robbed in the city.
“I am keen to speak to anyone that might have seen or heard the attack taking place or who saw the men involved in the area either before or after the robbery.
“If you know anything at all please contact us.”
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.
