A machete-wielding armed robber attacked a man in a shop last night leaving him with serious injuries.
Sussex Police said: “Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was seriously injured during an attempted robbery at a shop in Hove.
“Around 10.30pm on Saturday 19 September, a man is reported to have entered The Drive Store, in Church Road, and demanded cash.
“After being refused, he allegedly produced a machete and attacked one of the occupants in the shop, who was taken to hospital with a serious hand injury.
“The suspect left the scene emptied handed, and is believed to have made off north up The Drive.
“He is described as a Middle Eastern man aged between 21 and 27, dressed all in black, and wore a hooded top with the hood up.
“There was a lot of foot traffic in the area at the time and police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious in the area around that time – or anyone with any relevant dash cam or CCTV – to come forward.
“You can report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1747 of 19/09.
“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report it online.”
This is believed to be an isolated incident, and the public can expect a heightened police presence in the area in the meantime as enquiries continue