A mechanic has told how he chased an armed robber making his getaway with thousands of pounds.

Barry Long burst into action after hearing gunshots outside his garage in Patcham, Brighton.

He was eventually outrun by the masked raider but was described as "heroic" by passers by who watched the pursuit.

Modest Mr Long, 52, said last night: "I'm not a hero - I just chased him because I saw him running."

Mr Long was working at Patcham Garage when the drama unfolded at 9.20am yesterday.

A man wearing a scarf around his face and sunglasses had approached a Securicor guard delivering a cash box to the Co-op in Old London Road, Patcham.

The robber waved what looked like a pistol in the guard's face and fired off shots before demanding the money - thought to have been anything up to £40,000, although the exact sum has not been revealed.

Mr Long said: "I heard a lot of commotion outside and then a gunshot. I ran out and saw this guy with sunglasses on and a scarf around his face running up the road.

"I shouted after him and he fired another shot. My father owned shotguns so I knew immediately it wasn't a live round and shouted to everyone that he was firing blanks.

"Me and some of my staff headed straight after him but he got to the car before we could catch him.

"There was even an elderly lady shouting at him and she tried to whack the car with her walking stick. It just shows that people round here won't stand for this sort of thing."

Detectives, dog units and a police helicopter were scrambled in a bid to track the culprits.

Police later revealed they believe the man was using a starting pistol. They recovered the suspected getaway vehicle - a white Volvo - abandoned in nearby Highview Avenue.

People living and working around the parade of shops later spoke of their shock at the robbery which happened just yards from a scout hut and Patcham House School.

Debra Kempshaw, who works at the Village Deli, opposite the Co-op, said: "I heard shouting and then the shots and then saw a guy being chased up the road.

"It all happened so fast and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This is Patcham for heaven's sake - I never thought I'd see people waving guns around out here. I hope the police catch whoever is responsible."

She praised Mr Long's actions, saying: "It was a very heroic thing to do."

Ashley Bradley, 21, of Carden Avenue, Brighton, was walking to the Co-op to buy a paper when he heard the shots.

He said: "I heard some bangs and it sounded like a car backfiring at first. But when I got to the shops all hell was breaking loose.

"I was told there had been an armed robbery. It's absolutely shocking. There are always kids walking around here so the main thing is no-one was hurt."

Detectives cordoned off the street for almost three hours as constables and forensics experts scoured the area for clues.

Leigh Brand, of nearby estate agent Spencer and Leigh, said: "I heard the shots as I came into work. When I heard what had actually happened I was flabbergasted. This is a nice area and you don't expect to see police cordons and flashing lights first thing in the morning."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to call 0845 6070999 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.