A gang of “extremely violent” rapists are on the loose.

Police are investigating an attack by four men on a woman in Dyke Road, Brighton, on November 27.

Another woman was also raped in second attack in the Brighton and Hove area which police have linked to the group assault.

But police said they did not know where or when the offence happened.

Sussex Police did not publish the details of either of the two rapes on homeless women because they said they did not believe members of the general public were at risk.

Yet in an email sent to hostels and homeless projects a police officer described a group of Eastern European homeless men as suspected of “committing a significant amount of extreme violence towards other members of the street community particularly females.”

Sergeant Richard Siggs, from Brighton and Hove street community neighbourhood policing team, also told homeless groups to “make suitable arrangements” and “risk assessments” following the violent attacks.

He told agencies that they were being informed to “protect vulnerable persons and hopefully prevent offences”.

Police are also investigating a violent robbery, which took place in Black Lion Street, Brighton, on October 20 which is also believed to be connected.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “At no point was there a risk to the general public. All the victims and suspects in these cases are from the street community and information was passed to all relevant agencies in order to protect vulnerable people within this group.

“There was no appeal for witnesses or further victims, negating the need to alert the public at large.

“Police were quick to identify suspects who were promptly arrested, brought into custody, questioned and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“Under no circumstances can a suspect be remanded in custody unless they have been charged with an offence. Police investigations into each crime are continuing – whilst these lines of enquiry are completed, the suspects are regularly attending their local police station as part of their bail conditions.”

Four Eastern European men, all of no fixed abode, were arrested on suspicion of rape on November 28 and released on bail.

One of the men was arrested on suspicion of a second offence of rape for which he was also bailed.

A fifth Eastern European man of no fixed abode has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on bail.