POLICE are hunting for a suspected 60-year-old knifeman who robbed bookmakers before locking a member of staff in a toilet.

Police have released CCTV of the armed robber at Bet Fred bookmakers in George Street, Hove, at 7.25am on Saturday.

A man approached a member of staff as he was opening up the premises and threatened him with a knife before demanding he open the safe.

A large quantity of cash was stolen by a man described white, 5ft 11, aged about 60 and wearing a mask, a black "russian style Ushanka" furry hat with ear flaps, a black jacket and gloves.

He then locked the member of staff in a toilet and left the shop.

A spokesman from Sussex Police said: "The victim was shaken and shocked by the incident.

"Anyone who witnessed the robbery or has any information about the incident should report online or ring 101 quoting serial 365 of 18/09."