A robber threatened staff with a hammer before snatching the contents of a till at the Co-Op store in Seaside, Eastbourne, on Saturday evening.

It happened at around 8.50pm when the suspect confronted a female shop assistant before taking an unknown quantity of cash.

No one was hurt but the assistant was left badly shaken.

The suspect was described as white man, 5' 10" with a dark blond or ginger beard.

He was wearing a blue hooded top, denim jeans and grey trainers with white soles. He was carrying a dark-coloured back-pack.

Detective Sergeant Graham Farmer, of Eastbourne Police, said: "This was the second such incident in the same area within the space of an hour, although we are keeping open minds as to whether they were linked.

"The first happened just before 8pm when two men wearing balaclavas made an unsuccessful attempt to steal takings at the Seaside Newsmarket. Extra police patrols are currently deployed in the area.

"We are keen to talk to anyone who saw what happened in either incident or noticed suspects making off. Any relevant CCTV, dash-cam footage or other information would also be appreciated."

Details can be passed online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 1152 of 16/02.

Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers or phone the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 29-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery.