Detectives are hoping that three drummers can help them solve an attempted robbery at knifepoint on Brighton seafront at the weekend.
Sussex Police said: “Police believe three freelance drummers may have useful information about an attempted knifepoint robbery on Brighton seafront.
“The incident happened on the Lower Esplanade in Brighton at about 12.30am on Sunday 6 December.
“A 19-year-old woman and her 20-year-old boyfriend, both from Brighton, were approached by a group of men one of whom had a knife.
“They threatened and hit the pair and tried to steal from them but were distracted for some reason and ran off empty-handed.
“The woman sustained scratches to her neck.
“The pair had been walking east along Madeira Drive, passing Shoosh, and started down the stairs leading down to the Lower Esplanade near to the carousel.
“It was while on the stairs they were first approached and the incident continued as they went down on to the Lower Esplanade, near to a covered area where drummers play.
“There were three men playing drums there near to the ramp and the victims think the men may have seen what happened.”
Detective Constable Caroline Gridley said: “We are appealing for any witnesses, including the drummers, to come forward and speak to police.
“It would have been busy around that time of night so I am hoping the appeal will be fruitful.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.