A KEY worker was left shaken after a man tried to rob her in the street.

The 28-year-old victim was on her way to work at 6.40am on Sunday when she was approached by a man in Queens Road in Brighton.

The man reportedly asked her for a cigarette before grabbing her phone, headphones and tobacco.

A struggle ensued and the woman was pushed to the floor, but she managed to retrieve her phone and headphones and the suspect ran off.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, and believe the incident may be linked to another report of a robbery in Jubilee Street in Brighton at 7am that morning.

Investigator Rose Horan said: “This was a cowardly act.

"The victim was approached while she was alone and walking to work in her role as a key worker. She feels shocked and shaken by this experience.

"Officers are also seeking information about a further victim of a potentially linked incident, as we have received a report of a man possibly being robbed in Jubilee Street around 7am that same morning.

"We urge anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has any information that may assist with enquiries to come forwards."

Anyone with information is urged to report online at www.sussex.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 47210019540.