An MP has called for Government intervention to stem a rising tide of armed robberies in Worthing.

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton told Parliament yesterday his constituents were "living in fear".

Worthing has had 19 armed robberies since Christmas. The latest, at Forbouys convenience store, Heene Road, is among ten linked to the same gunman.

Mr Loughton has recommended Jack Saheid, whose sub-post office in Lyndhurst Road has been raided three times, for a bravery award.

He said police were "severely stretched" because officer numbers had fallen by 273 in the last four years and there had been a series of murder investigations including the Sarah Payne inquiry.

Speaking at Home Office Questions yesterday, he asked: "When will ministers intervene and do something to give back the police officers taken away over the last four years, rather than coming up with the constant guff about additional resources that don't result in extra police officers?

"Many of my constituents, shopkeepers and sub-postmasters are living in fear at the moment.

"Worthing police particularly have been severely stretched over the last year because of the inquiries into a spate of murders in and around the town, not least the tragic case of Sarah Payne.

"Support officers are no substitute for actual officers on the beat. It's really no excuse to say there are a few more civilian support staff."

Home Office Minister Charles Clarke denied Government statements were "guff".

He said: "The fact is that crime is falling and police numbers are rising.

"In Sussex, the question which he raises specifically, the fact is that the Chief Constable decides on the allocation of resources.

"In Sussex, the Chief Constable and his staff and his authorities decided quite specifically that they would increase the number of civilian officers over a long period."

Divisional Commander Graham Walter, who oversees Highdown Division which includes Worthing, said: "Mr Loughton is correct. While policing numbers are down, we now look forward to a period of increased recruiting and more officers on the division as a result of increased funding being made available."