SHOP workers were sprayed in the face as two masked men robbed them for cash.

Police were called over the incidents at Portland Convenience Store in Portland Road ad Smart Shop in Crescent Road, Worthing.

Men came in and sprayed a “noxious liquid” at the shopkeepers.

One suspect is a slim white man in his late teens or 20s who wore a hooded coat with the hood up, a dark face covering, dark trousers and white trainers.

The other is also a slim white man about the same age, and he wore a navy blue or black coat with a light coloured stripe. He had a white or cream coloured shirt on underneath, with dark trousers and coloured shoes.

Both robberies happened on December 30, the first at 7.15pm, the second shortly before 7.30pm.

In the first robbery cash and items were taken from the shop, in the second, £320 was taken.

Detectives are linking the robberies, and want to know if any witnesses were in the area at the time.

Sussex Police said: “Were you in the vicinity at the time of these incidents? We believe someone may have seen what happened and may be able to help identify the suspects pictured.

“If you witnessed what happened or have any information that may assist with enquiries please report it to us.”

Information can be reported to the force online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1260 of 30/12 in relation to the first incident and 1335 of 30/12 for the second.

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