A shopkeeper was threatened with a large knife.

The suspect made off with £500 if cigarettes, lighters and a sum of cash which he dropped as he fled the shop. This was found by a passing motorist and returned to the shop.

The robbery took place at 5.50pm yesterday at the Best One convenience store in Old London Road, Hastings.

Sergeant Rebecca Bayley said: “This was a very bold and nasty attack in broad daylight. The shopkeeper was lucky that he was not seriously injured by the large knife which was pointed at his abdomen.”

There were no customers in the shop at the time of robbery.

The suspect is described as white, 30-35 years old, 5ft 5inchs and of thin build. He was wearing a dark green or black hooded top, with a black top over it, blue jeans and dark sports shoes and some kind of black material covering his face.

If you recognise the suspect or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area please call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.