A MAN brandishing a meat cleaver ran out into the middle of the road and demanded money from a driver.

The motorist was driving a VW Golf along the High Street in Handcross at 7.45pm on Friday when he stopped because the man was standing in the middle of the road. He shouted at him and threatened him with the meat cleaver demanding his wallet. The victim handed it over but the attacker threw it back when he realised it was empty.

He then ripped off the car's front number plate before the driver managed to drive off, police said.

He is described as white, aged between 25 and 30, 6ft tall, with a tanned complexion and dark stubble. He was wearing a hoodie.

Detective Constable Gillian Sadler urged anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 quoting 1517 of 18/09.