A Mid Sussex station was held up by an armed robber.

The raider, wearing a balaclava and three-quarter-length parka coat, burst into the filling station in Lewes Road, Scaynes Hill, at about 8.40pm on Friday.

He was carrying a gun and threatened the attendant before stealing a quantity of cash. When he ran out of the station and crossed the road, he was almost hit by passing cars.

Trevor Whitehouse has run the petrol station for 16 years.

He said: "We've never experienced anything like this, so we are all very shocked by what has happened. I suppose this sort of thing is just a fact of life nowadays.

"Luckily, the member of staff who was involved was not injured but he was very shaken up at the time. He seems to be okay now."

Inspector Andy Kille, of Sussex Police, said: "We would like to hear from anyone with information relating to the offence, especially the drivers of the cars which nearly hit the offender as he ran from the scene."

Call Detective Inspector Andy Griffiths at Haywards Heath CID on 0845 6070999.