A SUSPECTED robber tried to escape police by running through back gardens.

The chase came after officers were called to an assault in Wellington Road in Brighton shortly before 1am yesterday.

Paramedics were at the scene, treating a 55-year-old man who had been attacked.

The man had suffered back injuries and his assailant had stolen his phone and bank cards.

The man was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and is still being treated for his injuries.

Further enquiries led police to chase a suspect in Tisbury Road, Hove, later the same day.

At about 6.30pm officers were seen running though back gardens in the street, shouting: “Get down on your front and do not move.”

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and committing grievous bodily harm.

He remains in police custody at this stage.

Sussex Police said: “This is believed to be an isolated incident involving two people known to each other.”