Throat slashed in motiveless attack

The 23-year-old was walking alone up the alleyway between the station and London Road at 12.30am when he was approached by the pair. One of them swiped him across the throat from the front with what he believed was a knife. They fled immediately and the man staggered into London Road, where he called for an ambulance on his mobile phone.

He was taken to hospital where he received four stitches in a three-inch wound. The man was not seriously injured, and was discharged later that day.

Officers searched the alleyway for weapons, but no forensic team was called as the small amount of blood on the scene belonged only to the victim. No witnesses or CCTV footage were available for the assault, which a police spokesman described as a "random, motiveless attack."

The victim was unable to give any description of his attackers. Police say no attempt was made at robbery, no fighting occurred, and no words were exchanged before the man was attacked. He is currently recovering at home.

Detective Constable Rob Morland said:

"This appears to have been an attack with no motive and, had the wound been any closer to a major artery, the victim could have been seriously injured. We are asking for the public's help to catch these attackers."

Anyone with any information should contact DC Morland at Hastings CID on 0845 6070999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.