TWO violent muggings in the space of 45 minutes are believed to be linked.

In both robberies, victims were approached by a group of youths and attacked in Shoreham.

Sussex Police are looking for a group of suspects who were seen travelling in a small black car.

The first robbery happened at about 10.30pm yesterday in Middle Road when two teenagers were approached by three youths who were not known to them.

The gang set upon them, forcing their victims to the floor before taking a rucksack containing a speaker, headphones, tobacco and an inhaler, and a bumbag containing a mobile phone, headphones, cards, clothes and tobacco.

Around the time of the incident, the suspects were seen travelling in a small black car, which had two more people inside.

Just 45 minutes later, a 23-year-old man was assaulted in nearby St Julian’s Lane.

This time, a group of five youths climbed out of a small black car - thought to be the vehicle from the first incident - and approached him, punching him in the face and head.

They snatched his phone, wallet and rucksack, which contained clothes and medication, before jumping back into the car and fleeing the scene up Kingston Lane.

At least two of the five suspects are known to be white and in their late teens. They were wearing hooded jackets during the attacks.

One of them wore a North Face jacket and another had blond hair.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We are appealing for anyone with any information about either incident – or anyone with any dash cam or CCTV footage which may have captured vital evidence – to come forward.

“Officers are also urging residents in the area to keep an eye out for any stolen items of low value which may have been discarded.

“You can report it online or call 101, quoting reference 47200172456.