The victim of an alleged claw hammer attack has told of her terror after being confronted in the street.

The 21-year-old, who has asked not to be named, told how she was threatened in Elm Grove, Brighton.

She told The Argus how she was walking home after a night working at a bar when a man approached her from behind on November 19.

The victim described how the man’s face was half-covered.

He held a claw hammer above her head and ordered her to hand over her possessions, including her mobile phone and wallet.

She fled the scene and immediately called 999.

Two other women have since been targeted in similar circum- stances.

The second incident happened on November 24 at around 5.25am.

A 20-year-old had just got out a taxi with friends at the bottom of Elm Grove and was allegedly attacked near the corner of Bonchurch Road.

The third alleged incident happened at 2am on November 30 when a woman reported she was threatened with a hammer by a robber who stole her money and mobile phone in Wellington Road.

Linked Sussex Police confirmed that the first two are being treated as linked.

Speaking about the incident, the victim said she was now too scared to walk along the street where it happened.

She said: “I am so nervous. It was horrible.

“I could not look him in the eye.

“It was awful.”

At the time of the third incident, Detective Sergeant Maureen Lambert said: “We are looking at whether the latest robbery is linked to the previous ones the week before.

“We are appealing for witnesses to the one on Saturday and would like to hear from anyone who has any information.”

Sussex Police confirmed that a 14-year-old boy was arrested on November 25 for two similar robberies on November 19 and 24.

He has been questioned and released on bail until January 2.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quot- ing serial 0809 of 30/11, or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.