A petrol station was held up by a masked man with a claw hammer.

The robber threatened a staff member at Shell in Golden Square, Henfield, before he demanded cash from the safe.

Following several failed attempts to open the safe the suspect fled the petrol station via a rear door at about 6.45am.

He made off with a small amount of cash and an unknown amount of tobacco, which he carried in a black bin bag and a holdall.

The victim was left shaken but unhurt.

It is possible the suspect left in a vehicle which was parked in Hewitts, Henfield.

He is described as white but tanned, about 6 ft, of stocky build, aged 20-30, with dark eyes and eyebrows.

He was wearing a grey balaclava covering his face, a camouflage jacket with the hood up and light coloured jogging bottoms.

Witnesses can call 101 quoting serial 185 of 08/05.