A homeless man was robbed at knifepoint by three people in the centre of Brighton.
He was knocked to the floor in the stairwell of a car park and had a knife held to his throat.
The attack happened as he walked through the NCP car park, in Church Street, Brighton, having just bought a coffee in North Street.
Sussex Police said: “Police were called at around 8.20am on Friday 4 December to a report a man of no fixed address had been robbed at knifepoint Brighton the previous evening.
“The victim had just bought a coffee in North Street some time between 11pm and midnight on Thursday 3 December when he walked through the NCP car park.
“He was approached by two men and a woman in a stairwell who offered to sell him drugs.
“When he refused, the victim was pushed to the floor and punched.
“Both of the men then pulled out knives, with one of them holding the blade to his neck before demanding he hand over his money.
“The group walked off with £40 cash.”
One of the men was described as mixed race, about 5ft 10in tall and of average build. He was wearing dark clothing.
The other man was described as mixed race, about 5ft 10in tall and of average build.
The woman was white, with blonde hair and about 5ft 5in tall. She was wearing dark clothing.
Detective Constable Vicky Lofts said: “This must have been a frightening ordeal for the victim and we would urge anyone who saw something to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.