Lancaster police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after two students were robbed in two separate incidents as they walked home from a night out.
Both robberies took place within an hour of each other in the early hours of Saturday morning (29th October).
The first robbery happened between 1.30am and 1.50am on Dale Street when a 23 year old man was attacked from behind and punched in the face. The offenders rummaged through his pockets and escaped with his wallet, keys and phone.
The victim suffered bleeding to his nose and a sore jaw. He was treated at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and was discharged later the same evening.
The second incident took place a few streets away on Hope Street between 2.15pm and 2.45pm when a 19 year old man was approached by two men who asked him for directions.
The victim gave the men directions but he was then pushed against a wall and the men demanded his property. The offenders fled with his wallet and phone.
DC Sue Palmer from Lancaster CID said: “Due to the close timeframe and vicinity of these two robberies we do believe they are linked and an investigation is underway.
“I would appeal to anybody that was in the area at the time of either incident, who saw anything suspicious or indeed thinks they may have witnessed either robbery to contact police.
“I’d also urge people to take extra care in the area and if they are walking home in the early hours and where possible to always walk with a friend or in a group.”
Both offenders are men and are described as being around 6ft tall. The first man is aged around 20 years old with blonde hair, shorter at the sides. He was clean shaven and was wearing a blue hooded top, tracksuit bottoms and spoke in a local accent.
The second man had a round head and pale face. He’s described as being skinny and was wearing a black hooded top with large writing on the front and black tracksuit bottoms.
Anyone with any information that could assist police with their investigation should contact Lancaster Police on 01524 63333.
Don't expect the following statements from police, teachers etc anytime soon:
"These young men will insist on walking the streets alone at night, with all their wares on show. They are clearly asking for it and have only themselves to blame.
Violent crime in the face of such provocation is only to be expected and is a natural feature of human society.
And in any case, any respectable young man would be at home, keeping himself to himself and getting a good night's sleep in preparation for an early morning at the coalface."