Three suspects were arrested within minutes of a robbery in Nottingham city centre.
Officers were called to a report of three males beating up a young man in King Street at 1.37am this morning (14 October).
CCTV operatives at Nottingham City Council tracked the attackers as they fled the scene, with police locating them in an alleyway off High Street.
A mobile phone stolen in the robbery was located by officers nearby and returned to the victim, who sustained heavy bruising in the attack.
Three males aged 16, 17 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody for questioning.
The 17-year-old was further arrested for a public order offence after an arresting officer was subjected to homophobic abuse.
The 16-year-old was also arrested in relation to the homophobic abuse and for possession of a Class A drug, after suspected cocaine was found on him.
Detective Sergeant Alana Scott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Response officers did a fantastic job in locating all three suspects within four minutes of this report being made.
“Thankfully the victim was not seriously hurt but that does not detract from the seriousness of this offence.
“Robbery is a truly horrible crime and can have a lasting impact on victims.
“I hope our response to this incident reassures people that such crimes will not be tolerated and will always be met with a robust response.
“Likewise, anyone who verbally or physically abuses our officers, or is caught in possession of illicit drugs, can expect to be held accountable for their actions.
“The investigation will continue today and I’d like to thank the CCTV operatives at Nottingham City Council for alerting us to this incident.”