A robber wielding a claw hammer tied up terrified members of staff in a grocery shop before smashing security cameras and fleeing.

Police believe the man was hiding in the Co-op in Albert Parade, Eastbourne, while two workers, aged 22 and 16, cashed up in a back office.

He burst into the room, threatened them with the hammer and demanded they lay on the floor while he bound their legs and hands.

The robber then stuffed carrier and money bags with cash from the tills and used the hammer to smash up in-store CCTV cameras and a video. He fled, out of a storeroom, into Milton Road.

Detective Constable Hammer Damon Funnell, leading the investigation, said: "There was an element of premeditation. The suspect is believed to have spoken with one of the members of staff at about 8pm.

"We're unsure whether he hid somewhere in the store but what's certain is that he was spotted again in a private area of the shop after it closed at 9.45pm."

A spokesman for the Co-op said the staff were back at work following their ordeal and undergoing counselling.

The man was described as white, in his late 20s or early 30s, of medium build with short, dark hair. He had stubble, wore dark clothing and had a southern or London accent.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on Saturday, is asked to contact DC Funnell on 0845 6070999 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.