A LONE gunman who is wanted for seven robberies is being hunted by police.

Armed officers were yesterday scouring Lancing for a gun after staff at the Uncle Sam's takeaway, in Crabtree Lane, were held up at gunpoint in the latest attack.

In the seventh robbery in seven weeks - with five involving a gun - a hooded robber pointed a gun at the store's manager and another member of staff as they closed up for the night at about 11.15pm on Wednesday.

Staff described their terror at seeing the gun pointed over the counter and handing over the day's takings.

The manager - who did not wish to be named - said: "It was pretty scary, but you just don't think about it and do what they say.

"At the time you just act on instinct but it leaves you pretty shaken.

"I feel bad for my staff, but better I was there than just my staff.

"Luckily no one was hurt."

The robber - described as white, 5ft 8ins tall and wearing a blue jumper, grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms and trainers - escaped out of the back of the shop and along First Avenue.

Sussex Police are linking the robbery to six others in Worthing and Sompting.

CCTV footage (pictured) captures a man officers want to speak to in connection with an incident where a robber pulled a gun from his tracksuit bottoms before threatening staff at the Spar in Heene Road Worthing on August 29.

The Lancing branch of Uncle Sam's has already been targeted by two further armed robberies in the past couple of months which police do not think are linked.

The manager added: "On the previous occasions I wasn't here and it was just my staff. You feel awful about that because you have a duty of care.

"The other guy who was here seemed okay last night. I will be checking up on him again later though."

Neighbours said they were concerned by such a violent crime in a quiet area.

Brendan Power, who lives nearby in Lancing, said: "It does make you worry in a little town like this.

"It is a quiet area and there is never normally anyone about late at night.

"Maybe that's why they picked it, because it was quiet."

Lance Slaughter, who runs a barber's shop next door to Uncle Sam's, said he felt reassured by seeing police in the area yesterday.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting Operation Zinger.