HONEST members of the public found bundles of cash in a Brighton street - and handed them to police.

The money was dropped by robbers as they ran from a hold-up at the Abbey National bank in London Road yesterday. Two masked robbers leapt over the counter, threatened staff and rifled tills before fleeing. As they turned into nearby Ann Street, one dropped some of the money. Stunned shoppers found the loot on the pavement and in the road and handed it in. Det Sgt Martin Sapwell, heading the inquiry, praised the finders for their honesty. He said: "Members of staff collected some of the cash right outside the bank and shoppers picked up handfuls of notes around the corner in Ann Street. The shoppers all deserve a pat on the back and our thanks." The thieves are believed to have made their getaway in a red sports car involved in a minor hit and run collision with another vehicle in nearby Blackman Street just after the 2.10pm raid. Later there was car chase involving an identical sports car in North Street and police are today checking CCTV cameras and appealing for witnesses. The robbers are black, aged 17 to 20, and wore dark clothing. No weapon was seen.

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