A terrified cashier hid while a gunman emptied the till at a park cafe in Eastbourne, police revealed today.

Officers fear the armed robber may strike again after he fled with just £20.

The man walked into the cafe in Gildredge Park on Sunday at 4pm.

He pointed what police believe was a pistol at staff and said: "Want the money."

While he emptied the till, the cashier fled to the kitchen at the back of the building and hid until he was gone.

Police dog units were mobilised but no trace of the gunman was found.

A police spokesman said: "We believe the man was seen in the park at about midday and again at 3.45pm, shortly before the robbery.

"It is quite possible other people may have seen him acting suspiciously at these times on what was a hot and sunny day.

"He wore sunglasses, a thick baggy jacket with black trousers and a dark coloured T-shirt."

The cafe lies metres from a children's play park and a field used for ball games.

Police said the small quantity of money stolen could result in the man striking again for a larger haul.

He was described as white, in his mid-20s, slim, 6ft 2in and clean shaven.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555111.