A station booking clark was held at gunpoint by armed robbers in an early morning raid.

The 65-year-old was in his office at quiet Ford railway station just after 6am yesterday when he heard a car crash outside and went to investigate.

But he discovered that two men had rammed their car against his and a man holding a gun and a baseball bat was threatening him.

A second man went inside and ransacked the booking office but no money was taken.

The robbers escaped in a blue car, which may have been driven by a third person. The car went up Ford Road in the direction of Arundel.

The booking clerk is now recovering from his ordeal and is said to be shaken but unhurt.

British Transport Police are keen to trace any witnesses who saw the blue car or the suspects, who were both about 5ft 8ins tall, and a £500 reward is on offer.

A police spokesman said: "This was a particularly brutal and frightening attack."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0171 387 0354 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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