Police are appealing for information after a man was attacked and robbed close to a supermarket in Rottingdean.

At about 7.20pm on Monday (11 May) a 26-year-old was walking in an alleyway that runs from Tesco Express in West Street to the block of public toilets behind it when three masked men attacked him.

He was struck on the head with what is believed to be a metal pole and the men stole a carrier bag containing his shopping, his black Nike rucksack and his mobile phone.

One of the attackers is described as being about 5' 11" and skinny. He was wearing a t-shirt.

Detective Sergeant Gary Tattersall said: "The men concealed their identities by wearing masks across their faces and targeted the victim when he was on his own.

"We need to speak to anyone who saw a group of men acting suspiciously in or around West Street in Rottingdean on Monday evening or who saw them heading away from Tesco in the road after the robbery.

"If you know anything at all, please contact us."

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1431 of 11/05, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.