Detectives investigating two robberies in Ipswich are appealing for witnesses after victims reported being punched and kicked.

A man in his late teens was approached by two men who demanded his mobile phone while he was walking on Helena Road, near the junction with Ship Launch Road, between 9.50pm and 10.15pm on Friday.

One of the men then assaulted the victim by punching him in the face.

The victim fought back, but was then assaulted by the second suspect.

A third suspect then hit the back of the victim’s head with a blunt object which resulted in him falling to the floor.

He was kicked in the body and head which caused him to lose consciousness for a brief period.

The victim’s bag and a quantity of cash were stolen and his phone was smashed and the battery and SIM card were removed.

He attended Ipswich Hospital for treatment, but has since been released.

The first two suspects are described as men who were wearing black clothes, gloves and balaclavas.

The second incident took place in Austin Street on Saturday when a man walking in an alleyway leading to Pauline Street at around 9.35pm reported being grabbed from behind by one man while another man stole his wallet containing cash and bank cards.

It is thought that the suspects then ran off in the direction of Wherstead Road – and the victim was uninjured.

Earlier in the evening the victim was sitting on a bench in the same area when he was approached by two men who verbally abused him and asked for cash.

The men are reported to have spoken with foreign accents.

Police are looking to see if these men may be the same as those who later robbed him.

It is not thought that the two robberies are connected.

Call Suffolk Police on 101 with information, referencing 59702/16 for the Helena Road incident or 59866/16 for Austin Street. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.