Horsham knifepoint robberies lead to arrests

Officers were called at 1.37am to reports a man had been approached and threatened with blades outside Barclays Bank, Carfax.

Police said the suspects demanded the victim hand over his phone, bag, bank card and cash, which he did.

Police received a second call at 1.49am by a man reporting he had also been approached by two men in Carfax and threatened with a knife.

The victim had no belongings on him and so the suspects left empty-handed.

Sussex Police added two men were later arrested on suspicion of robbery - one at 1.58am after he was detained by door staff and an off-duty British Transport Police officer, and one around an hour later at 3.05am.

The men, aged 20 and 21 from Horsham, have been released on bail with conditions.

Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, district commander, said: “Thanks to the bravery of the members of the public and the swift actions of our officers, we had two men arrested within an hour and a half of the first call coming in.

“We continue to work together with partners and the local community to ensure Horsham remains a safe place to live and visit and that this kind of public place violence will not be tolerated.

“We are supporting both victims and our investigation into these matters is ongoing.”