A gang of men forced their way into a Brighton flat where they stabbed one man and kidnapped another.
The four-strong gang also attacked a third man in the flat in New England Road, Brighton.
Sussex Police said yesterday (Friday 6 December): “One of the residents was punched and another was stabbed in the thigh and put into a headlock. The men forced the third victim to go with them.
“They took him into Argyle Road but when they got to the junction with Preston Road the victim tried to escape.
“The men followed him into Ditchling Rise and then back to Campbell Road, assaulting him with a weapon and punching and kicking him as he tried to flee before one ordered him to get into a silver Mercedes at knifepoint.
“The car was driven to Upper Lewes Road, Lewes Road and Coombe Road before stopping at Pelham Court where the victim was threatened again before being dropped off. The gang then drove away.”
The first attacker was described as black, in his early thirties, about 5ft 11in tall and of wide build but not stocky.
He was wearing a dark blue jumper, light blue jeans, one black shoe and one white shoe.
The second attacker was described as black, about 19 years old, in his early thirties and 5ft 4in tall. He was skinny and had short black afro-style hair.
He was wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a dark sleeveless body warmer.
The third attacker was described as black, in his twenties, 5ft 5in tall and of medium build. He had short black hair and was wearing a red top.
The fourth attacker was a slim white man in his early twenties. He had blond hair and short brown or blond facial hair.
He was wearing a white top with grey zig-zag lines on it, blue jeans and black or grey woollen gloves.
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to.
The incident happened late on Thursday 1 August or in the early hours of Friday 2 August.
Detective Constable Jane Everson said: “Although this happened several months ago we are still determined to track down those involved.
“Someone must have seen or heard the victim being chased and attacked in the streets around Preston Road before he was forced into the car.
“The CCTV footage we have found is of good quality and we hope someone will recognise the man in it and contact us. Please call us if you know anything at all.”
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.
