Groups of young people — either in their late teens or early twenties — are responsible for seven violent attacks in Halifax since Friday, police say.

Six of the attacks are believed to be connected.

Monday night, 15 to 20 young people swarmed and attacked a man who was out walking and stole his cellphone.

A few hours later, a group approached a couple and attacked the man with a steel handle from a broom, then rifled through his pockets.

Friday night, a group of six to eight young men or teens swarmed and attacked a couple, and later a man walking alone. A similar attack happened Sunday night.

Const. Brian Palmeter said police believe the attacks are connected. In all cases but one, the group approached their victims and asked them for either a cigarette or a cigarette lighter before launching into the assault.

As well, he said all the attacks have taken place in the same general area of central Halifax.

After Monday night's attacks, police arrested two teen boys, aged 14 and 17. However, they were released without charges due to a lack of evidence.

Palmeter said the police are adding resources to this investigation and beefing up patrols.

“We believe this is a group of kids engaging in senseless acts of violence and targeting innocent people,” Palmeter told QMI Agency

Tuesday night, five or six young men surrounded two 18-year-old men, beat them and made off with their wallets and personal items. However, police do not believe this attack is connected to the others.