A robber who stole cash and cigarettes from a West Sussex village shop has been linked with a similar crime half an hour earlier.

The thief struck at One Stop in Billingshurst Road, Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham, on Monday.

He walked into the shop at about 12.30pm and handed a note to the cashier.

The man left the shop with a small amount of money and a few packets of cigarettes. He was briefly chased down Old Guildford Road by a customer but escaped.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Fitzgerald, of Horsham CID, said an almost identical robbery took place in Billingshurst on the same day at noon.

A man entered Unwins in Jengers Mead and showed the cashier a note before making off with a significant amount of cash.

He is described as white, in his early 20s, and wearing a dark hooded top which covered his face.

Mr Fitzgerald said: "We would like to speak to anyone who has information about either of these robberies, especially if they saw any vehicle involved."

Anyone with information should contact Mr Fitzgerald on 0845 6070999.