A masked man threatened a petrol station attendant with a knife in Hove early today.

The suspect, who wore a ski mask over his face, went into the Esso garage next to the railway station in Denmark Villas at 6.15am.

He threatened the assistant with a knife and demanded that he hand over money.

But the worker triggered an alarm and the suspect fled.

He was about 6ft, aged about 45, of stocky build and dressed entirely in black, including a full-length coat.

Witnesses should phone Sergeant Karen Pirrie on 0845 6070999.