Second robber strikes close to Rustington shop

A SECOND person has been robbed at knifepoint close to a supermarket in Rustington, police have announced today (August 10).
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A man was robbed after walking past Sainsbury’s, in New Road, Rustington, on Friday (August 7) between 10.30pm and 10.45pm.

It comes just days after police issued an appeal for help in tracing a ‘baby-faced’ knifeman who robbed someone close to the superstore.

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The Gazette has approached Sussex Police for a comment about whether the incidents are linked. However, the force has been unable to respond.

However, describing Friday’s robbery, Detective Constable Lindsey Van Buiten said: “This must have been a frightening ordeal for the victim and we would urge any witnesses who may have seen something to come forward.”

In the latest incident, a 25-year-old victim had left an address in Rustington, walked past Sainsbury’s retail park and was walking in The Leas en route to Angmering railway station when he was approached by another man.

The offender demanded he hand over his rucksack and empty his pockets before running back towards Sainsbury’s.

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Police have described the offender as white, about 6ft tall, of average build, wearing black clothing with his hood up and had a yellow /orange drawstring bag across his chest.

After the robbery, the victim headed to the railway station and found two other men who were walking a small dog in Station Road. They offered to accompany him back to Rustington and as all three approached the Sainsbury’s car park, they saw a man matching the offender’s description.

One of the men ran after him and managed to retrieve the victim’s bag from the offender which had all his belongings still inside. The two men who helped the victim then got into a car and drove off.

DC Van Buiten added the police were ‘keen’ to speak to the men who helped the victim, as well as anyone who may have any information about the incident.

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Witnesses can email [email protected] or call 101 quoting reference 1869 of 07/08.

The previous robbery took place at about 5.30pm on Sunday, July 26, as a 19-year-old man was cycling west along the A259 New Road.

A cyclist coming in the opposite direction blocked his path, produced a knife and demanded money.

The victim, from Angmering, handed over his cash and though unhurt was left shaken by the incident. The suspect rode off towards Littlehampton.

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He is described as a white man, in his late teens or early 20s, 5ft 8ins, of skinny build, baby-faced and with short dark hair.

He was wearing a dark blue hoody, white t-shirt and dark blue jeans, and was riding a blue mountain bike.

Witnesses to this assault should contact police by emailing [email protected] or phoning 101, quoting serial 1167 of 26/7. Alternatively ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with regards to either crime.