SHOP staff were robbed at gun point in the fourth attack of its kind this month.

Officers were called to the Spar in Heene Road, Worthing, after the armed robbery on Sunday. Detectives are linking the robbery to three others which took place earlier this month on August 13, 18 and 22 in the area.

In Sunday's attack a man walked into the shop at 9pm carrying what is thought to be a hand gun and demanded money. He threatened staff with the gun and ordered them to open the till before grabbing around £200 in cash.

He fled and was last seen at the junction with Rowlands Road. Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to and are appealing for the public to come forward with information.

He is described as white, around 5'11” and was wearing glasses as well as a grey face covering. He had three tops on - a blue jumper on top of a black hoodie which was worn over a burgundy jumper. Holes had been cut in the blue jumper where the man's thumbs protruded. He was also wearing Nike tracksuit bottoms with a bold navy blue stripe down the side to just below the knee and grey and white Nike trainers.

Detective sergeant Simon Dunn said: "Understandably the two members of staff have been left shaken by this incident, but fortunately no one was injured. If you saw anything at all suspicious around the time of the incident, or have any other information, please call us.

"We believe this robbery may be linked to three other similar incidents in the area. I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who knows of his whereabouts, to get in touch with us."

Witnesses or anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Zinger or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Background

A MASKED man with a gun robbed the Sompting Mini-Market of cash and cigarettes on Saturday, August 13 at 10.15pm.

Five days later a man walked into Ladbrokes in Rowlands Road, Worthing, just before 8pm with a gun and demanded money from the till. He made off with £70 in cash, which he stashed in a Tesco 'bag for life'.

On Monday, August 22, at 5.30am a man threatened the shop assistant at Broadway News and Gifts in The Broadway. It is understood these three robberies are linked to Sunday's attack.