THREE men assaulted and attempted to rob a 12-year-old boy.

The incident happened between 1pm and 1.45pm last Wednesday when the victim was walking in Cornwall Avenue, Peacehaven, and was approached by three older males, who were unknown to him.

The men ran away after someone intervened. Witnesses saw a dark coloured BMW driving away from the scene.

PC Noel Daniels, who is investigating the incident said: “We are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault on the young boy, this was understandably a frightening ordeal for him.

"He was assaulted and the suspects tried to steal his mobile telephone, but thankfully he was not injured.

“Also, if you were driving near the area around the time the incident took place, please review your dash cams for any possible footage that may help with our investigation.”

The three men, believed to be in their twenties, are: 

•White, with brown hair, beard, wearing a Brighton and Hove Albion hat, a blue top with logo on the left side, camouflage bottoms, and white trainers possibly Nike.

• White, with black hair, beard, camouflage hat, camouflage jumper, grey jogging bottoms and tatty shoes.

• White, wearing a blue jumper and blue jeans.

A 22-year-old man from Hove was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and has been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

Report online or call 101 quoting serial 806 of 19/12 if anyone has information.

Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers or call the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.