DETECTIVES were today hunting four young robbers who held one man at knifepoint and threatened two others with another weapon.Suffolk police are investigating two robbery incidents involving the youths, which happened within the space of half an hour in Southwold.

DETECTIVES were today hunting four young robbers who held one man at knifepoint and threatened two others with another weapon.

Suffolk police are investigating two robbery incidents involving the youths, which happened within the space of half an hour in Southwold.

The first incident, an attempted robbery, happened at about 9.30pm on Tuesday in North Parade.

A 22-year-old man was walking along the promenade, listening to his iPod, when he saw four boys near some beach huts.

The boys, thought to be two aged in their mid-teens and two who were young and shorter, surrounded him.

As the 22-year-old walked the youths walked around him, with the smaller boys asking him to show them his iPod.

He ignored them and walked up one of the ramps to the Marlbourgh Road/North Parade area. The boys disappeared but reappeared when the 22-year-old headed back towards St James Green.

The four boys were again seen standing on North Parade near the Dunwich Road and Chester Road junctions.

As he approached them the four crossed the road to meet him and one of the taller youths approached him, threatened him with a knife and demanded he hand over the iPod.

The 22-year-old ran in front of a car to get away from the youths. He was unhurt and nothing was taken from him.

The second incident happened about 20 minutes later, at 9.50pm. A 41-year-old man and his 70-year-old father were taking photographs of the night sky from the footpath at the end of East Street when they were approached by four youths.

They initially asked to look at the camera and when this was refused they were threatened by one of the youths who was carrying something long and thin in his hand. Fearing for their safety they handed the camera over and the youths fled toward Gun Hill.

The boys in both incidents are described as white, with the younger boys about 4ft to 4ft 6in tall. The younger boys were wearing lighter coloured coats than the older boys, who were wearing dark coats with hoods. All four covered their faces with items of clothing.

Police need to trace the occupants of the car the 22-year-old ran in front of and anyone else who was in the area at the time, or who may have information about who the youths are.

Anyone who can help should call DC Mark Beresford at Beccles CID on 01986 835300.