Four young people have been arrested after three women were attacked in three separate assaults in inner city Winnipeg on Sunday afternoon.

The first incident happened around 3:20 p.m. near Furby Street and Ellice Avenue, when a group of young people tried to rob a 35-year-old woman. The youth tried to take her jacket and belongings, and punched her several times.

A second woman, 19, was on Balmoral Street when a group attacked her. One of them pulled out a small knife during the robbery, police said.

The group stole the woman's cellphone and wallet and hit her several times.

Around 3:45 p.m., a group of young people approached another woman near Edmonton Street and Portage Avenue.

They asked her for a cigarette, and when she declined, they tried to take her purse, kicking her while she was on the ground.

A bystander jumped in to help and the group fled.

The same bystander notified police of the incident, telling officers the group had boarded a bus.

The suspects were apprehended near Portage Avenue and Waterfront Drive. The stolen cellphone was recovered at that time.

A 14-year-old boy and three girls, age 14, 15 and 16, face robbery and weapons charges. They are being held at the Manitoba Youth Centre.

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