A MAN has appeared in court charged with going on a violent rampage across Brighton.

Painter Nicholas Randall, 26, of Gibbon Road, Newhaven, was charged with robbing Dyke Road News, attempting to rob the Post Office in St James' Street, having an article with intent to destroy or damage property, possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place, theft from a shop, attempted burglary with intent to steal, having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and affray.

Randall was arrested in front of shocked Christmas shoppers at the Clock Tower after the raids between 9am and 10am on Wednesday morning.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court yesterday morning and was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court.