Three pensioners were attacked and robbed by raiders who burst into their Brighton homes last night.

One 78-year-old man answered his door and was punched in the face with a blow that knocked two teeth out.

Another tried to defend himself with a walking stick but was overpowered.

All three victims were badly shaken and police today warned the elderly not to let strangers into their homes.

Police appealed for help from the public to trace the offenders and they were even asking members of the criminal fraternity for assistance.

The attacks, in Hollingdean, Coldean and Bevendean, Brighton, began shortly before 6pm.

The first happened in Freehold Terrace, Hollingdean.

The 78-year-old occupant was confronted at the front door by two men who said they were calling about a leaking pipe.

He was giving them £5 for the job when they grabbed his wallet. They punched him in the face and held him as his home was searched.

The second attack happened minutes later in Middleton Rise, Coldean, where offenders kicked open the front door of a house occupied by a 71-year-old woman.

The terrified victim was threatened with violence as two men burst into her lounge.

She handed a small amount of cash over as the raiders ransacked her home.

The third attack happened a short time later in Bevendean Crescent, Bevendean.

An 80-year-old man, who had been expecting visitors, answered a knock on the door and was pushed inside.

He tried to defend himself with his walking stick but was overpowered. The raiders again escaped with cash.

Detective Sergeant Peter Smith, who is heading Operation Edinburgh, said the three robberies were being linked.

He said: "The victims are very upset and shaken and we urgently need information from witnesses.

"In the meantime, we are warning elderly people to be on their guard and not to let anyone they do not recognise into their homes."

Police are hunting two men, both white and in their 20s. One was over 6ft tall and well built. The other was about 5ft 4in tall and thin.

Anyone with information should contact Brighton CID on 0845 6070999.