A 20-year-old man was taken to hospital after armed raid on a theatre.

Several thousands of pounds was stolen from the Chichester Festival Theatre, in Oaklands Park, during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detectives from Sussex Police have appealed for any information.

Between 12.30am and 1am two men entered a staff door at the rear of the theatre in Broyle Road.

It is believed both had handguns and threatened three staff members and a visitor, making them lie on the floor.

They demanded keys to the safe and took the cash in notes and coins.

The visitor, a 20-year-old man was injured when one of the robbers struck him in the face.

He was later taken to St Richards Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The three staff members, two men aged 19 and 24 and a woman aged 20, were left shocked but unhurt.

The suspects are described as white, both 5ft 10in to 5ft 1in in height, with local accents.

Both wore black balaclavas over their heads and possibly a scarf or neckerchief, dark coloured long sleeved jumpers, white plastic gloves, and army/combat camouflage trousers which were green and brown in colour.

Detective Sergeant Colin O'Hare, from Chichester CID, said: "Although it was late at night we think it likely that people driving past may have seen something, without perhaps realising its significance at the time.

“Anyone who thinks they saw something, or has any other information about the robbery, is asked to ring 0845 60 70 999 and quote Operation Merryfield. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously."