TWO BROTHERS were robbed by a racist at gunpoint on the seafront.

Police are linking two incidents in Bartholomew Square and by the pier in Brighton last night.

Teenage brothers from the United Arab Emirates were confronted by the gunman who ordered them to hand over their bags, phones, wallets, shoes and clothing at 9.20pm.

The robber made racist remarks to the brothers.

Then an hour later near the pier there was an attempted robbery by a man who matched the first description.

Police say the gunman is white with facial hair and hair cut short at the sides, 5ft 8ins tall and wore jeans, a baseball cap, a black cut with a fur hood, and sunglasses.

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For the first incident the gunman was accompanied by a black man in his 20s in a black hooded jacket, and an Asian man in his 20s wearing a black coat.

But in the second incident he was alone.

Detective Sergeant Joe Jardine said the incidents are being treated as linked.

The detective said: “High visibility patrols have been deployed in the area and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened in either case, who noticed anything suspicious or who may have relevant dash-cam or CCTV footage.”

Anyone who has information or saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to call 101 and quote 47190053298.

Were you affected by these crimes? Share your story. Contact crime reporter Aidan Barlow on 01273 021383,  email aidan.barlow@theargus.co.uk, or contact him on Facebook: Aidan Barlow Argus.