This is the moment an armed raider tried to gun down a pensioner who dared to challenge him.

The bullet narrowly missed the 67-year-old working at the Texaco Garage, in Worthing, and the two intruders ran off.

Police, who yesterday released CCTV footage of the incident, said they were now treating the failed armed robbery as attempted murder.

Officers have also offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

Two men attempted to steal money by threatening a member of staff.

An examination of the CCTV footage shows one of the robbers aimed at their brave victim with a revolver and fired when he challenged them and started to chase them away.

The bullet, which hit a wall, has now been recovered but the calibre of gun is not yet known.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bates said: "This is a very serious matter. "The man was not hurt but was very lucky not to have been killed or seriously injured. "We are hoping that the reward, and the CCTV images, will jog memories of the event and produce that vital piece of information."

The man with the gun is described as being white, of medium build, just under six feet tall, wearing a light coloured hoodie, gloves, scarf and a hat.

The second man is also described as white and of medium build, just over six foot tall, wearing a dark hat, with lighter circular emblems, tied under the chin, a dark jumper and possibly a scarf, dark jeans and trainers.

He was carrying a rucksack on his back.

Police arrested two men in connection with the raid days later.

They were released on police bail without charge pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Serial 1096 of January 4.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.