An elderly man was slashed with a knife during a terrifying attack in Hailsham.

The victim was walking home from the shops when two teenagers jumped out from behind a bush as he walked by Common Pond in Station Road yesterday.

They threatened him with a Stanley knife and tried to rob him.

When the pensioner attempted to defend himself, one of the boys slashed him with a knife, wounding him in the arm.

The man managed to get away and called the police. He did not need hospital treatment.

He suffered two cuts to his arm and was left frightened by the attack, which happened at 5.15pm.

One of the attackers was black, 5ft 10in tall and had curly hair. He wore blue trousers with a blue hooded top and was aged 14 to 15.

The other youth was white and 5 ft 7in tall. He wore a red shirt, blue trousers and white trainers.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward. Contact PC Ambrose on 0845 6070999, quoting serial number 1413 08/05/01.