TWO men are suspected of being behind a string of robberies in a Kent city.

They are thought to have been responsible for attacks in Spring Lane and Abbots Barton Walk, Canterbury in which victims were attacked and had possessions stolen.

Ch Insp Lee Russell is spearheading the hunt for the culprits. Two homeless men aged 20 and 25 have been arrested and bailed pending further investigation.

He said: "These incidents are shocking for those involved and are taken very seriously by the criminal justice system."

The first incident happened in Spring Lane between 5.50pm and 6pm last Thursday when two men approached a 56-year-old man from Folkestone.

They demanded his rucksack and punched him in the face after he gave it to him.

About the same time a student was walking along Spring Lane when two men went up to him. One punched him in the face and they stole an MP3 music player.

The third robbery took place in Abbots Barton Walk - which links Old Dover Road and New Dover Roads - at about 6.15pm.

A 43-year-old woman was floored by a blow to the head while the two men took her handbag and ran off. The victims in all three robberies suffered facial cuts and bruises.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01227 868281.