Armed robbers burst into a shop and threatened to slit the owner's throat as they snatched hundreds of pounds.

The pair brandished a 6in blade in the face of boss Mike Fernando before taking more than £500 from his safe during the attack at The Handy Stores in Wivelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, at about 6pm on Thursday.

They then ran outside and were heard casually talking about whether to go back for the shop's till but Mr Fernando managed to lock his doors in time.

Speaking to The Argus following the ordeal, Mr Fernando said: "I could see them just hanging about outside for quite a while beforehand, just talking.

"I went over to the door to see what they were doing because we quite often get kids just hanging about.

"As I did one of them pushed me to one side and pulled out the knife.

"The other one went to the back of the shop and I said: 'You can't go back there mate.'

"But he just ignored me, grabbed the money and they left.

"I thought about trying to stop them but when he pulled out the knife there was no way I was going to attempt it."

The robbers are believed to be aged about 19 or 20.

They walked off in the direction of the town centre.

The robbery completes a miserable festive period for the family after Mr Fernando's son, also called Mike, was involved in a major car crash in nearby Rocky Lane earlier in the month.

He sustained serious injuries after his silver Subaru Impreza went off the road.

Mr Fernando's son is now out of hospital and was above the shop at the time of the raid.

Between them they managed to raise the alarm by calling the police shortly after the men left the shop.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the armed robbery and are appealing for any information about the crooks.

Both are described as black and about 6ft with short cropped hair.

One wore a white hoodie top and the other a black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

miles.godfrey @theargus.co.uk