A man was robbed at knifepoint at a cash machine by the Seven Dials.
The 23-year-old victim from Worthing was approached by the thief at 3.30am yesterday (Sunday 12 December) in Dyke Road, Brighton.
The thief told the victim to hand over his phone, money and cash card.
Sussex Police said that he then demanded the victim’s PIN before leading him along Dyke Road by the hand to a cash machine.
The victim was then made to wait in the alleyway next to Ashton’s Pharmacy while the thief tapped in the number and withdrew money from the Co-op cash machine.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The robbery is under investigation by detectives who are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Dyke Road area around the time of the offence.
“PSCOs are assisting detectives with gathering CCTV footage and are conducting house-to-house inquiries.
“Witnesses are urged to contact police immediately.”
The suspect is believed to have headed in the direction of Brighton railway station.
He is described as black, 5ft 10in tall and aged 18 to 20.
He spoke with a West Indian accent.
He was wearing a knee-length black jacket with the hood up and black gloves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.