The moment a middle-aged thug with a knife pressed the blade against a defenceless shopkeeper in an armed robbery in Brighton was caught on CCTV.
The frightening ordeal prompted an urgent appeal for witnesses to come forward – or anyone who could help detectives as they try to catch the crook.
Sussex Police said: “A man escaped with several hundred pounds in cash after holding up a shop assistant at knifepoint in Brighton.
“He struck around 8.10pm on Sunday evening (11 February) at Marvan’s Newsagents in Beaconsfield Road, thrusting a knife at the man and demanding the cash.
“He is described as white with a tan, aged late forties to fifties and of medium build.
“He was wearing a green hat, blue jeans and dirty white trainers, with his face covered with a black bandana or scarf but he had grey wisps of hair coming down underneath.
“He was also wearing a black bomber-style jacket and a distinctive striped belt.”
Detective Constable Caroline Gridley said: “This was obviously a frightening experience for the member of staff and I want to find out who this man is.
“His bomber jacket and belt are particularly distinctive and may jog the memories of those who might know him.
“The jacket has a quilting pattern over the back of the shoulders and the belt appears to be striped horizontally with what appears to be cream or similar top and bottom stripes and a centre black or dark brown one.
“If you have any information as to who this man is or about the robbery, please report online or call 101 quoting serial 1035 of 11/02.
“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Can we not see the CCTV?
Giving a description is pretty pointless and does so little with identification, whereas images could stir memories and assist in the early capture of this ruthless crook.
That shop doesn’t open on Sunday evenings, it closes in the afternoon. Details are important.