Arrest made in connection with Burgess Hill Co-op robberies

A description of a man was given to the police following an incident at the Co-op in Junction Road, Burgess Hill on Monday, July 25.

It followed a robbery at the same store on July 16, where shop workers were threatened by a man carrying a knife.

Police are also investigating reports of a robbery at the Co-op in Wyvern Way at 10.05pm on June 19, and at Terracotta Lane on July 12.

From the description given, officers from Sussex Police’s Specialist Enforcement Unit located the man driving in a vehicle on the A273 on July 25.

Co-op in Wyvern Way, Burgess Hill

The 30-year-old was arrested and taken to custody on suspicion of three counts of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and of going equipped for theft.

He has now been bailed with strict conditions while the investigation continues.

Detective Sergeant Mark Miller said: “We understand that these incidents have caused concern in the community, but thankfully no one has been physically harmed.

“We continue to ask for witnesses or anyone with information about these robberies to come forward.

“The first was at the Co-op store in Wyvern Way at about 10.05pm on June 19. The suspect was described as slim, about 6ft, and wore a blue jacket with a black hooded top underneath, slim fitted jogging bottoms, and white Nike Air Max 95 trainers with a grey stripe down the sides.

“He also wore a white mask with black gloves and carried a yellow string JD Sports bag.

“During the second robbery in Terracotta Lane, a man wearing a black jacket with silver marks on the back, and a hooded top, threatened staff on July 12.

“Then on July 16, staff reported being approached by a man with a knife outside the Co-op store in Junction Road at about 6.10am.

“Anyone with information can report it to Sussex Police online or call 101, and quote serial 1383 of 19/06 for the first incident, serial 1751 of 12/07 for the second incident, and serial 288 of 16/07 for the third incident.”