Shop staff and customers overpowered a knife-wielding robber in Worthing last night.

A man walked into Allsorts newsagent in Montague Street at 6.35pm.

He went to the counter to buy beer but instead produced a knife and demanded cash.

A customer caught hold of his free hand and together with two shop workers and another customer managed to restrain him.

Police said the man swung the knife but no-one was injured.

A 29-year-old man was arrested and is being questioned in custody today.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "The staff and customers could have been seriously injured in this incident but the determination of the shop assistant to prevent the knife being used meant the suspect was safely detained until we arrived to make an arrest. "

Anyone who saw what happened and has not spoken to police is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 1333 of May 16, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.