Armed robber with sword holds up Brighton bookmakers

An armed robber with what looked like a sword held up a Brighton bookmakers last night (Sunday 24 November).

The man kicked in the door of the Corals branch in London Road, Brighton, at about 9.30pm and told staff to open the safe.

Sussex Police said: “The male member of staff tried to open the safe but while the safe was being reset the suspect took money from the till.

“The female member of staff had hidden in the toilets and the suspect kicked this door open while the other victim tried to open the safe.

“When the safe opened, the suspect grabbed some cash and left.”

He headed north along London Road.

Detective Sergeant Dee Wells said: “Thankfully neither of the members of staff were injured but were extremely shaken by the incident.

“The suspect managed to steal around £500 of cash before leaving the bookmakers.

“We believe there was another man outside the shop as well as the driver of a car, which waited outside.”

The robber who forced his way into the shop was described as 5ft 11in tall and of big build. He had a shaved head and a Liverpudlian accent. He was wearing a balaclava or tights over this face and dark clothes.

The second man was slightly shorter with a black jacket which looked padded.

Detective Sergeant Wells said: “We are appealing to anyone who saw a man with a weapon in the area or a dark-coloured saloon car waiting outside Corals at around 9.30pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.