A MAN took a large kitchen knife out of his bag when he was challenged by a shop worker about phones he was suspected of stealing.

He told the worker he was getting money out to pay for the iPhone 4s and HTC M8 that he had put into his rucksack but instead pulled out the knife.

Police said he managed to leave The Phone Surgery in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, despite the worker trying to keep the door shut, and ran down Pelham Street towards City College.

Detectives have now released CCTV showing the image of a man they are looking for in connection with the robbery of the phones worth a total £440 at 3pm on Tuesday February 10.

The suspect is described as black, 5' 4', clean shaven and was wearing a black puffa-style jacket, black hoody, black jeans and black trainers with a white trim around the sole.

He was carrying a black rucksack, police said.

Detective Constable Sarah Townsend said: “If you recognise the man captured in the CCTV image or have any information about the robbery, contact police.”

Ring 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 0859 of 10/02.