People are being warned to be on their guard after at least nine brutal street robberies in less than a month in Leicester's West End.
Some of the victims have been left unconscious and unable to provide a description of their attacker, as they were approached from behind and struck on the head.
All of the attacks have taken place in or close to Narborough Road.
Police have increased patrols in the area and urged people to take simple steps to stay safe, such as avoiding walking alone in the early hours and sticking to busy, well-lit areas.
A 26-year-old man has been interviewed on suspicion of carrying out seven attacks between Sunday, May 22, and Thursday, June 16.
At least one of the victims was a woman, who was knocked unconscious and had her phone and bag taken.
The suspect has been released on police bail.
However, two further attacks of the same violent nature and both at the Braunstone Gate end of Narborough Road took place on Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday.
The Leicester Mercury is aware of a 10th incident which has happened in the same area during the past couple of weeks, which has not been reported to police.
Leicestershire Police said.the investigation was continuing.
A resident said: "It's really scary. We have crime in this area but I don't remember anything like this.
"They are happening regularly and involve so much violence in areas where, I'm pretty sure, we have CCTV cameras.
"The people who are doing this are going to seriously harm or even kill someone one of these days."
Assistant City Mayor Sarah Russell, who represents the area, said: "It's very worrying there is so much violence used, and we have seen a concentration of robberies in a small area.
"We have a vibrant night-time economy in this area and people should not be put off coming out for a drink or a meal.
"But they should think about their personal safety perhaps a little more than they usually would while the person or people who are committing these robberies are caught.
"I'd suggest that when they should not walk home alone and should stick to busy, well-lit areas or maybe even take a taxi even if it's only a relatively short journey home."
Police have appealed for witnesses to the attacks.
The seven attacks the 26-year-old suspect was interviewed about are shown on this map:
Zuffar Haq, of Crimestoppers in Leicestershire, urged people to help police trace the robber or robbers.
He said: "These robberies are particularly violent and we need to help the police find those responsible.
"If anyone knows anything about the perpetrators they can pass that information to Crimestoppers anonymously and it will be passed on to the police."
To help pedestrians stay safe, police advise keeping valuables such as phones and laptop computers out of sight, wearing bags across the body rather than over the shoulder and covering up jewellery with a scarf or clothing.
They also encourage people to be aware of their surroundings and to change direction if they begin to feel unsafe and to use well lit, busy streets and a route they are familiar with.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
For further personal safety advice, go to:
