Dartmouth residents are feeling uneasy after an apparent random swarming sent one man to hospital early Sunday.

Police were called to a robbery in the area of Victoria Road just after 12:30 a.m. They said three men and two women told the officers they had been swarmed and attacked by a group of 15 to 20 young men.

The alleged victims told police the men had kicked them, punched them and stole a backpack from one of the women. The alleged attackers fled the scene before police arrived.

“The victims did not know the attackers and this is believed to be a complete random, unprovoked attack,” said Sgt. Greg Robertson of the Halifax Regional Police.

One of the alleged victims was sent to hospital with minor injuries and was released after being checked for a concussion.

The woman’s backpack was later recovered by a police K9 unit, but police have not made any arrests in the case.

People who live in the area said the alleged incident has them feeling uneasy.

“It’s scary. It’s not something we like to know that’s going on in the area,” Shawn Marshall told CTV News.

“To be walking around at night in this area would be pretty scary. I’ve lived here all my life. It’s a bit shocking,” said Liam Berrigan.

Area resident Keli Marshall said better lighting on Victoria Road and a greater sense of community pride could cut down on crime in the area.

“Knowing where it is, definitely more lighting down on Victoria. There’s not a lot. When you go down the hills and around Park Avenue, it doesn’t feel super well lit,” she said.

“I think it just takes more people taking pride in their community and everyone doing their part and, as more people do that, the onus is shared.”

Shaw Marshall said he would like to see a greater police presence in the area.

“I think a good police presence certainly keeps things quiet and helps mitigate any issues that are popping up.”

Police patrolled the neighbourhood Sunday night and are reminding citizens to be vigilant.

“To remain visible in lighted areas. If you’re approached by strangers, draw some type of attention to yourself,” said Robertson.

The investigation is ongoing, though RCMP said there are no eyewitnesses and only vague descriptions of the suspects were provided.

With files from CTV’s Suzette Belliveau