FOUR teenagers have been arrested following a knife-point robbery.

Police were called after a 19-year-old man reported being robbed by a group of teenagers in Lewes Road, Brighton.

A group matching the description were picked up on CCTV by the police command centre heading towards Sainsbury’s in Lewes Road.

Several foot chases ensured as the suspects split up and fled, the police said.

Two of the group were caught and detained a few minutes later.

The incident happened at 8.10pm on Thursday, January 20.

As one of the suspects was being placed into a police car, a 17-year-old boy approached officers and reported having been robbed at knifepoint earlier that evening and identified the suspects in custody as being responsible.

Officers conducted a search of the area, and another two suspects were located and taken into custody.

The group was found to be in possession of several items believed to have been stolen during the robberies and from nearby shops.

An 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of robbery, while a second 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of two robberies.

An 18-year-old man from Surrey was arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft, while another 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a Class B drug (cannabis) and possession with the intent to supply a Class B drug (cannabis).

All four have been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Inspector James Dover, of Brighton and Hove’s Response Unit, said: “This was a great example of a rapid response from officers from several different units, working together as a team to bring these suspects into custody.

“The initial reaction saw two suspects arrested within minutes and the officers were rewarded for the tenacity of a two-hour search by later detaining two further individuals.

“I would like to commend all of the officers and support staff involved, and thank the victims for reporting the incidents and assisting with our response.”