Violent thieves have been targeting milkmen carrying out their early morning rounds.

Police are linking two attacks in Worthing and want witnesses to come forward.

In the latest incident, a milkman doing his rounds was approached by three men in Fletcher Road early on February 16.

One of the thugs assaulted the milkman with a large wooden object.

The three fled empty-handed, leaving the milkman bruised and shocked. A bottle was smashed during the incident.

This attacker was white, about 18, 5ft 9in tall and had blond hair. He wore a brown sheepskin-type coat.

Three days earlier, a milkman was injured in the arm after he was approached by four men in Sackville Crescent, Worthing.

One of the men demanded money and assaulted the milkman. The attacker got away with cheques and a small amount of cash.

He was white, 19 or 20, 6ft 1in tall and thin. He wore a light-coloured fleece.

Both milkman work for Unigate Dairy Crest, based in Sompting Road, Broadwater.

A Dairy Crest spokesman said: "The safety of our milkmen is of paramount importance.

"Each milk float is fitted with a safe and we encourage our milkmen to minimise any risk by only carrying money on cash collection day."

A police spokesman said: "Attacks on local milkmen are extremely rare. Milkmen do not carry large sums of money while delivering."

Anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Keith Fifield on 0845 6070999 ext. 81388.