Masked thugs stab man in Shoreham

Armed officers and the police dogs unit were called to Adelaide Square in Shoreham after the incident on Wednesday.

Two masked men reportedly confronted their victims while wearing the balaclavas as they demanded the victims hand over their belongings.

One of the victims was stabbed in the leg, and while initially reported as a serious injury, he was given first aid by a neighbour before paramedics arrived and took him to hospital.

The second victim was reportedly kicked in the face but did not require hospital treatment.

Neighbours reported hearing shouts and screams from the property before the incident, then noticed the police and ambulances arriving.

One neighbour said: “I heard shouting after the woman living there came back home. We knew it had kicked off. A girl left my place and gave first aid to them.”

Another neighbour said men wearing balaclavas had been seen in the small residential estate, and a young mum said: “It’s really scary that it happened here.”

The suspects, who were all dressed in black, reportedly left the scene without stealing anything.

Police arrived soon afterwards and cordoned off the scene. Forensics officers and detectives were also called in for the inquiry.

In a statement the police said: “We are appealing for witnesses after two men were assaulted in Shoreham.

“Officers were called to Adelaide Square, Shoreham, at 7.13pm on Wednesday to reports of a man being stabbed in the leg.

“Two masked men approached the two victims and demanded they handed over their personal belongings.

“One victim was then kicked in the face and the second received a minor stab wound on his leg and was taken to hospital.

“Both suspects were dressed in all black with balaclavas covering their faces.”

Anyone with information about the stabbing should call Sussex Police on 101 or online at www.sussex.police.uk quoting serial 1052 of 23/05.

You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Their website is www.crimestoppers-uk.org.