A bungling armed robber disguised in a fake beard tried to rob a betting shop in Hove this morning but fled emptyhanded.
The robber went into William Hill in George Street, Hove, at about 8.25am and threatened staff with what looked like a black handgun.
He took a set of keys but no money when he made off a few minutes later.
He headed up George Street and was last seen jogging towards Blatchington Road.
He was described as wearing dark clothes, possibly a tracksuit, with yellow shoulders and a twin yellow stripe down the sleeves. He was also wearing a burgundy woollen hat and thick-rimmed glasses as well as the fake beard.
Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Anyone who saw the attempted robbery or the man in an obviously fake beard is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.
