Thieves smashed their way into a Budgens store but were forced to flee empty-handed.

Polcie were called to reports of burglary at the shop on High Street, Billingshurst, near Horsham, at about 3.50am on Sunday.

Three men are believed to have smashed the glass in the front door of the shop but once inside the smoke screen alarm was automatically activated and they ran off.

The suspects were all wearing hooded tops to conceal their identities and one may have also had a pair of tights pulled over his head.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 0313 of 24/4.