A museum is counting the cost after thousands of pounds were taken from their safe.

An employee of the Amberley Open Air Museum was returning to the premises in Houghton Bridge, Arundel when he was attacked by two men at around 9.30pm last night.

The men forced the 43-year-old employee to open the restaurant safe allowing the men to help themselves to several thousand pounds. Following the robbery, the two men were seen running along the B2139 towards Houghton and are thought to have then got into a waiting white car.

A small quantity of cash from the robbery was dropped and recovered by police.

The employee suffered some bruising but did not require hospital treatment and no weapons were used in the attack.

The men are both described as wearing dark clothing, one being about 5' 10" and of 'chunky' build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1428 of 09/10.