A RESTAURANT owner has been praised by police for pursuing an armed robber.

A man entered the Chinese Town restaurant in London Road, St Leonards, at around 10.45pm on Thursday, April 5.

He proceeded to take money from the till and threatened the owner of the restaurant with a knife.

In a brave attempt not to let the man escape, the owner followed the man along Carisbrooke Road into a property in Stockleigh Road where he, and another person, waited for police officers to attend.

A 38-year-old man from St Leonards was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of a class A drug.

He has since been released under investigation.

Detective Constable Ian Dearling said: “The restaurant was one of the few shops open at this time of night and it would appear this was an opportunistic offence.

“While the business owner was very brave in pursuing the subject, we will always advise people who find themselves in these situations not to put their safety at risk and to call the police immediately.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened that night in London Road to contact the police immediately.

“In particular, I would like to trace the man who helped the restaurant owner and stood with him while waiting for police.”

Any information relating to the incident can be reported to police by calling 101 quoting reference 1399 of 05/04.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.