DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a convenience store in North Road, Crawley, was robbed on Saturday evening.

A man entered Premier Convenience at about 6pm and threatened staff with a suspected firearm, demanding money.

He left empty handed and headed off towards Hazelwick Avenue.

The suspect is described as white, in his late-20s, 5' 10" to 6ft and of stocky build. He was described as wearing a hooded top and a face covering.

This incident is being linked to other robberies in West Sussex in recent weeks.

On 9 April a Co-op store in Bolnore village was robbed during which staff were also threatened with a firearm.

On 30 April a Co-op store in Horsham Road, Cowfold, was targeted shortly after 9.30pm. The suspect, also described as white man, around 6' and of stocky build, made off with around £10,000 after threatening staff with a firearm. He too was wearing a hooded top and wore a face covering.

Fortunately no one was injured during any of the incidents.

Witnesses or anyone with information should use the eform at sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/ or call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Bourbon.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.