POLICE have arrested teenagers following a series of robberies and attempted robberies.

Officers were called to an attempted robbery near Warrior Square Railway Station in St Leonards at 3.40pm on Saturday.

The victim was able to escape from the group and fled on a train.

Police were then alerted to a robbery in nearby Warrior Square Gardens, in which a man was confronted by a group of young people and forced to hand over a mobile phone.

A short while later, a handbag was also stolen during a third robbery in Hastings town centre.

Sussex Police believed the incidents were linked and began searching for the suspects.

They arrested four boys - two aged 17 from London and two aged 14 and 15 from St Leonards - near to Queens Road on suspicion of two counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery.

They have been released on bail with strict conditions while enquiries continue.

The victims suffered no physical injuries during the incidents, and items of stolen property have been recovered and returned.

The police investigation is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the attempted robbery or either of the robberies is asked to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 885 of 05/02.

Alternatively, members of the public can share information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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