Police are appealing for witnesses after a gang of youths attacked and robbed a man out for a moonlight stroll on Hove seafront, leaving him with “nasty facial injuries”.
The 51-year-old victim was walking at the junction of King’s Esplanade and Medina Terrace at about 12.25am in the early hours of yesterday morning when he was attacked by a gang of about a dozen people, including at least two girls.
The youths assaulted him, forced him to the ground and rifled through his pockets before running off with the victim’s keys when they were challenged by passers by.
The victim suffered head injuries in the attack and is being treated in hospital.
Detective Constable Tom Coll said: “This appears to be an unprovoked attack on a lone male who was out for a late night walk.
“He has been left with some nasty facial injuries and is shocked that something like this could happen in this area.
“I want to appeal for anyone that saw the attack or witnessed any groups in the area between Marrocco’s Restaurant and Hove Lawns at about midnight to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 40 of 26/07, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.