A MAN has been charged after a woman was robbed and assaulted at a city centre cash point.

Officers were called to a Sainsbury’s store in St James Street, Brighton, at 7pm on Monday, October 4, following reports a woman had been robbed.

The victim, a 22-year-old woman, said she had withdrawn money from a cash point when a man approached and verbally abused her.

The man is alleged to have pushed the woman away and snatched the money out of her hand before making off.

Two police constables responded to the scene and identified a suspect who was subsequently arrested just over an hour after the incident was reported.

Kim Upton, of North Road in Brighton, was charged with robbery and appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 7.

The 29-year-old was remanded in custody pending a further court appearance.

Superintendent Nick Dias said: "This was undoubtedly a frightening experience and an unprovoked attack that left a young woman badly shaken.

"Thanks to their swift, proactive response, PCs Mongan and Jackson were able to quickly identify a suspect, bring them into custody and secure a charge.

“They were also able to offer the victim the immediate support she needed after such a traumatic incident.

"Everybody has the right to feel safe on our streets and targeting the perpetrators of robberies, while working with our partners to tackle the underlying issues that fuel this behaviour, is key to ensuring Brighton and Hove remains a wonderful city in which to live, work and visit."