TEENAGERS have been arrested after a spate of robberies where thousands of pounds of cash was stolen and shop staff were attacked.

Detectives are investigating the incidents at four shops in Portslade, Hangleton and Shoreham.

The first occurred as Martin's newsagents in Station Road, Portslade, was opening at 6am on November 28. A shop assistant was grabbed by the neck and forced into a back room to open a safe by three men who stole £1,600 in cash and £3,000 of cigarettes before escaping by a fire exit onto St Aubyns Road.

A Tates Texaco garage staff member was punched in the head when three men - who had a knife - stole hundreds of pounds and cigarettes from the shop on Old Shoreham Road. The assistant was closing up at 10.55pm and on December 8.

Two One Stop shop staff were threatened and one was stuck in the face as the Buckingham Road store in Shoreham was robbed at 11pm on December 10. They were forced back into the shop and ordered to hand over several hundreds of pounds.

A shop assistant was punched in the face as two men demanded the keys to lock a shop in Queen's Parade, Hangleton Road, at 10.40pm on Tuesday, December 16.

The employee was at the counter and his wallet, mobile phone and personal keys were taken, as well as money from the safe and cigarettes. The men left in the Applesham Avenue direction.

None of the victims were seriously injured. Two 17-year-old boys from Hove have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and were released on bail until January while investigations continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Betts said: "We are linking all four of these robberies. The descriptions are also similar with the victims describing them as two black men and a white man all dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas.

"We are asking shops in the Portslade and Hangleton areas especially to be vigilant and aware of these robberies when closing up for the night, and to consider changing their routines regularly.”

Anyone offered cheaper cigarettes or who has seen anyone selling a large amount, or witnesses to the incidents should call 101 quoting Op Clutch, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.