A shop assistant was grabbed by the neck and forced to open a safe after three masked men raided a newsagents.

The 27-year-old victim, who works at Martins newsagents in Station Road, Portslade, had just opened the shop at about 6am on Friday when three men entered with their faces covered.

The terrified assistant was grabbed by the neck and led into the back room where she was forced to open the safe. The three men took £1600 cash as well as about £3000 worth of cigarettes before escaping through a rear fire exit which leads into St Aubyns Road.

One of the men is described as black, in his 30's, of large build and about 6'. The second man was white, in his 30's 5'8'' and of medium build. The third man was black, 5'5'' and of slim build.

All three were wearing dark hooded tops and one had a large bag on his back.

The victim was shaken but unhurt and no weapons were seen.

Detective Constable Aran Boyt said; "Information we have obtained suggests that the three men were seen in the area watching the store the previous day, Thursday, at about 7pm.

"We are asking anyone with information about this robbery to contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.ukor call 101 quoting quote serial 164 of 28/11. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."