An organised crime gang has been kidnapping and robbing revellers during nights out in Manchester city centre, police have revealed.
Officers say victims have been 'lured into a vehicle' before being driven to unfamiliar locations, then attacked and robbed of their mobile phone.
The gang has also stolen and used bank cards.
Police are linking four incidents that all happened during freshers' week in September.
All four victims were intoxicated students who were unfamiliar with their surroundings, said Detective Leon Cawley-Bowyer, who is leading the investigation.
They were targeted around student areas and The Gay Village and lured in the vehicle in various ways.
It is understood the most common tactic was to invite a male victim back to a hotel or house for an ongoing party.
An investigation was launched under Operation Valiant, the force's anti-robbery unit, from the City of Manchester division.
Yesterday, three individuals, two aged 19 and one aged 17, were arrested.
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Police are now appealing for anyone else who may have been a victim of the gang but did not report it to police to come forward.
Detective Cawley-Bowyer added: "I believe there could well be more victims of this who may be concerned about coming forward for whatever reason.
"I would ask if anyone else has been a victim to this to speak to us and report it via 101 or via the online reporting facility."
Police tweeted about the arrests last night adding a warning to revellers.
"Op Valiant had a successful arrest this morning of two males who are suspected of being part of an organised gang committing kidnapping and robberies against revellers enjoying the night life," GMP wrote on Twitter.
"Victims were lured into a vehicle before crimes were committed.
"When out please stay with others."
Earlier this summer, the Manchester Evening News revealed the scale of the task facing police in Manchester city centre amid government cutbacks.
A Freedom of Information request showed that on an average day last year police received; one report of a sex attack, ten violent assaults, three burglaries, 42 thefts, four robberies and three public order offences.
