A HOMELESS man was beaten and robbed by a gang who punched him as they pinned him to the ground. 

The 36-year old  was attacked and robbed by three suspects as he was walking by the underpass of Crawley Avenue, Crawley, at the junction with Ifield Avenue.

He had started speaking to a man in front of him when he was grabbed from behind by two others. They forced the victim to his knees and tried to grab his  rucksack, punching him while he was on the ground.

They then made off with his mobile phone.
 
One of the suspects is described as black, aged about 18, slim, with bad teeth wearing a blue hooded top and dark blue tracksuit bottoms.

The incident happened on November 11 at 5.45pm. 
 
Detective Constable James Gwynne said; "We are appealing for any witnesses who may have used the underpass that evening and saw anything suspicious, including any people hanging around.
 
"If you can help please contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call us on 101, quoting serial 1221 of 11/11.
 
"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or at www.crimestoppers-org.uk."