VIDEO: CCTV captures moment Petworth garage worker is held up at knifepoint

The footage was revealed exclusively by the Observer in December four days after the robbery.

The images show how the man dressed in dark clothing walked into The Flower Bowl garage in London Road near Petworth, at about 7.45pm on December 15 and threatened the member of staff on duty with a knife and a long piece of wood.

He gave the worker a pale blue rucksack and ordered him to put cash from the till inside it. He then ripped the garage’s phone out of the socket and left.

Det Con Paul Gilmour said: “Although the man was wearing a balaclava that showed only a small part of his face, I am very hopeful that someone will recognise him from the CCTV.

“This was a terrifying incident for the victim but thankfully he was not hurt. We are determined to find the robber.

“A number of vehicles drove past the garage at about the time of the robbery so we would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the man before of after the robbery.

“If you recognise the man and know who or where he is, please contact us urgently.”

Anyone with information should email [email protected] quoting serial 1432 of 15/12, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.