ARMED robbers threatened a teenage boy with a blade in Saltdean last night.

The attack happened at about 7.05pm in Withyham Avenue.

One man who witnessed the incident said he stepped in and challenged one of the robbers who was brandishing a "machete".

Karl Malone, 35, said he was in his flat when he heard a "massive commotion" outside.

He went out to find the two men threatening a 17-year-old boy, he said.

Mr Malone said: "He had a machete to his throat in front of a lot of people

"He pulled it out and ran at me.

"I stood my ground and he did a runner."

Mr Malone added: "I can't have things like that happening to people.

"I can't see people getting hurt.

"I don't like bullies. All these young people getting stabbed left, right and centre.

"Now it's happening on your own doorstep."

He said the two robbers appeared to be aged between 18 and 21.

"They listen to all this grime music," he said.

"If no-one is going to stand up to these people the world's going to turn into a nasty place."

Mr Malone said the victim had been with his girlfriend at the time.

Police confirmed they received a report of an attempted robbery and a public order offence at 7.17pm.

Officers have been searching the area and knocking on doors today (Sunday).

No arrested have been made.