A SUSPECT has been arrested after two shopkeepers were threatened at knifepoint.

At 6.15pm on September 8 officers received a report that a man had threatened the shopkeeper in Your Friendly Shop in Upper North Street, Brighton with a knife, stealing some bottles of alcohol and cash from the till. 

At about 7pm that evening, police received another report that a man had threatened the shopkeeper of the Wine Library in Norfolk Street and demanded money. He became “distracted by noise outside and left empty-handed”.

Yesterday, police arrested a 27-year-old local man on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He remains in custody for questioning. 

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “Anyone with further information can contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1172 of 08/09.

“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”