Police in Brighton would like to trace some passers-by who may have saved an attack victim from being robbed and sustaining worse injuries.
Between 4am and 5am on Monday (23 March) the victim, a 29-year-old local man, was on his way home after a night out when he was attacked in Lewes Road by two women and man who he was with, having met them earlier that night.
He suffered minor bruising to his face and some blurred vision.
Some passers-by shouted at the group to stop what they were doing, prompting them to run off.
The victim reported the incident to Sussex Police at lunchtime on Monday, and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for as check-up.
The suspects were all described as white. One woman was about 28 years old, about 5ft 4in tall, with straight shoulder length dyed red hair. She had a skinny face but was of chubby build wearing a black and white dress and a black cap.
The second woman was in her late forties, about 5ft 6in tall and with long black hair. She was wearing a three-quarter length white coat.
The man was about 50 years old, short and skinny, with short black greying hair and some dark colouring around the eyes. He may have been wearing blue jeans.
Detective Constable Kerri Bartup said: “We appeal to those people to come forward to assist us with the investigation. They may have saved the man from even worse injuries and from being robbed.
“We are working to establish the full circumstances and and anyone who can help is asked to 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.
