A gang of thieves robbed a man at knifepoint as he walked along a city street.

The 51-year-old was walking alone near the junction of Cromwell Road and Denmark Villas in Hove shortly after 3am on Sunday September 29 when he was approached by three men.

One mugger held a knife to the victim's throat and threatened him before the trio stole his mobile phone and bank cards. They then got into a small red hatchback and drove off.

The victim, who is from Hove, was left shaken but unhurt.

The first thief was white, about 6'3" and of large build. He had blonde scruffy badly cut hair and was wearing a hoody.

The second was white and about 5'8". He was wearing a hoody to hide his face. The third was white and about 5'2".

All three thieves had local accents.

Detective Constable Tom Coll said: "The men seem to have targeted their victim because he was on his own. Although the victim was not hurt this was a very nasty attack.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard what happened or who may have spotted the red car parked in Denmark Villas during the robbery.

"Please contact us no matter how small the piece of information you have is. It could be vital to our investigation."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 291 of 29 September or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.