A rail worker foiled an armed hold-up by slapping the gun-wielding robber.

He was on duty at Hove station when the would-be raider approached and demanded: "Give me the money".

The employee spotted a silver-grey firearm in the robber's hand and slapped his arm to dislodge the weapon.

Although the man held on to the gun, he fled.

British Transport Police (BTP) hailed the employee's efforts today. A spokesman said: "This is not something we would recommend but he was very brave and did extremely well."

The attempted hold-up happened at 8.10pm on Saturday but police made an appeal last night for anyone in the station at the time to come forward.

Police think the same man was responsible for another armed hold-up on Saturday evening at Gala Bingo in Portland Road, Hove, at 8pm, when £7 was stolen from reception staff.

The raider was 18 to 21 and wore a dark woolly hat, a handkerchief round his mouth and a dark-coloured jacket and beige baggy trousers.

Anyone with information should call BTP on 0207 391 5275.