Armed robbers threatened to stab a female shopkeeper unless she handed over her cash.

Kalpana Patel, 46, was forced to give the two robbers £2,000 from the till when they stormed into the Londis store in Clyde Road, Brighton, yesterday.

She was left terrified by the ordeal, which happened shortly before noon.

The two men, both thought to be in their twenties, produced a knife and threatened to kill her unless she obeyed.

Mrs Patel, who has run the shop for 14 years with husband Suresh, said: "Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.

"I was so frightened. When they said they would use the knife on me, I gave them the money straight away. I didn't want to take any chances.

"It annoyed me, though. We're working here seven days a week yet they can just come in here and take our money.

"I'm more worried about my own safety than the money but it's very sad someone feels they need to do this. The police came very quickly and I hope they catch these men."

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.