Two men assaulted in Worthing

At around 10.10pm yesterday (Thursday, May 22) a 16-year-old boy was walking through Victoria Park, Worthing, when he was approached by two men believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.

Both men produced a knife each and, holding one of them against the victim's neck, forced him to lie on the ground.

The two men then stole his mobile phone and, during this process, one of the suspects stabbed the victim through one of his hands, causing a serious injury which required hospital treatment.

The suspects then made off on foot in an unknown direction.

Both are described as white and wearing dark 'hoodie' type tops with the hoods up. One of them had stubble growth.

Serious attack

Detective Constable Sue Smith, investigating, said: "This was a serious attack.

"Not only was this a traumatic incident for the victim, in terms of being threatened with a knife and having his property taken, but the level of violence was severe, especially considering the mobile phone had already been taken prior to the stabbing.

"It is imperative we identify these suspects as soon as possible.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed this, or saw any suspicious activity around the park area yesterday evening to contact the police.

"Also if anyone has been, or is offered a second hand mobile phone or SIM card over the next few days which they feel might be connected, please also contact the police on 0845 6070999 extension 81529."

Second robbery

The second robbery happened at around 7.30pm on Monday, May 19, when a man was walking through the short cut by St Andrews Church in Victoria Road, towards Clifton Road, Worthing.

Two men approached the man, punched him in the face causing him to fall to the floor.

They then stole money from his pockets.

The first suspect is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, in his early 20s, of stocky build, with dark brown or black short hair and wearing a light orange or light green woolly hat with a strip on it.

The other man is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, in his early 20s, of a slimmer build than the first man, with blonde scruffy hair about 4in long and wearing a jumper with light blue stripes.

A taxi driver in a white taxi gave the victim a lift to the corner of Tarring Road and Howard Street.

Appeal

Police are appealing for the taxi driver or anyone else who may have knowledge of this incident to telephone DC Jenny Bell on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1571 of May 19.

Information about either crime can also be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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