Police release CCTV after man robbed and stabbed in Brighton

At 6am on Saturday, December 22, a man was robbed and stabbed in the city centre, police said.

Detectives have now released CCTV images of five suspects.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "The victim was walking along Kings Road, between West Street and Black Lion Street when he was approached by a black man who asked to see his watch.

"He then pushed the victim in the doorway next to Pizza King.

"Another man joined them, this time a white man, who head-butted the victim in the face.

"When the victim refused to hand over his watch, he was stabbed by the black man in his side before stabbing him in the leg. He forced the watch off his wrist and the victim managed to get away from his attackers."

Police said the first man to approach the victim and stab the victim is described as black, between 18 and 25, slim wearing blue waist length jacket with khaki green hood, a white T-shirt underneath, light blue denim jeans, white trainers, black hat with long tassels' hanging down from each side.

The man who head-butted the victim is described as white, between 18 and 25, large build, with short light brown hair, wearing light grey hooded jumper, blue denim jeans and black shoes.

CCTV shows three other men in the area at the time and are believed to be involved.

They are described as:

- black between 18 and 25, slim build, dark hair in corn rows, wearing dark blue zipped up jacket, dark jeans and dark shoes

- white, between 18 and 25, slim, short fair hair with shaved sides, navy hoodie, dark trainers with white sole

- white, between 18 and 25, slim, short blonde hair with shaved sides, dark hoodie, light blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Dan Aubrey-Smith said: “The victim’s injuries were thankfully not serious but could have been. He has made a full physical recovery and we are keen to trace these men and bring them to justice.

“We don’t know if these men are local or were visiting to city for the evening. We need to trace them. Do you recognise them or did you see what happened during the attack? Any information is helpful to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online quoting serial 249 of 22/12/18. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.