Could same gang of Brighton muggers have struck three times?

Police are investigating three street robberies of young men in central Brighton yesterday.

The first took place in Gloucester Place, just by the North Laine pub, at about 1.30am. A 20-year-old man was walking home when three men demanded his phone, punched him in the face and took his phone, earphones and glasses.

His attackers are described as two white men and one mixed race man, all 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in, of skinny build and all wearing hooded tops and tracksuit bottoms. One of the white men had brown hair with a fringe, the other strawberry blonde hair. Serial 1201 of 17/02 refers.

At 11.30am, an 18-year-old man was walking along Fleet Street when he was threatened by two men who punched him in the face and stole tobacco from him. They are described as white, aged 17-18; one 6ft tall, tanned with short dark hair and wearing a black hooded top, the other 5ft 5in, pale, with short dark hair and wearing a black hooded top and black and white Nike Air trainers. Quote serial 560 of 17/02.

Then at 7.45pm, a 24-year-old man walking along Islingword Street, off Elm Grove, was confronted by three men who pushed him against a wall and stole his purse containing a small amount of cash. The first suspect was white, aged around 25 and 6ft tall. The second was also white, of similar height, aged about 40. There is no description of the third man, but all were wearing waterproof jackets. Serial 1471 of 17/02.

The victims were all very shaken, but not seriously injured.

Detective Constable Steve Amner said: “Although the incidents happened over an 18-hour period, we have not ruled out the possibility that they are connected, particularly the first two.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in those areas at the time and saw suspicious activity or who has any other information.

“You can email us at 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting the references shown. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”