A knife-wielding thug held up an off-licence in Brighton last night.
The armed robber threatened staff and told them to open the till and hand over cash, mobile phone top-up cards, cigarettes and scratch cards.
The robbery took place at about 8.50pm at The Offie in Whitehawk Road.
Detective Sergeant Chris Sherwell said: “This is a serious offence and very frightening for the customer and staff who were in the store at the time.
“Police have seized CCTV and are conducting forensic examinations as well as speaking to local residents as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour is urged to contact police.”
The suspect is described as an unkempt white man, about 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall, with a slim and very gaunt build and aged in his early thirties.
He was wearing a blue hooded jumper and a grey jacket over the top with a dark grey stripe running down each arm and a white one across the back.
He was also wearing a blue woollen hat, blue jeans and brown canvas shoes with black soles.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
