Robbers terrorise McDonald's staff and steal £1,000

Three men wearing camouflage clothing and balaclavas, and armed with what was believed to be a handgun and a baseball bat, entered the restaurant at around 12.45am, shortly after it had closed for the evening.

There were six members of staff in the restaurant at the time but as it was closed there were no customers.

Police believe the door to the restaurant was open at the time, leaving the raiders free to enter.

No shots were fired during the raid which lasted several minutes and no-one was injured.

After stealing the money, the men left in a silver-coloured car which witnesses said may have been a Ford Fiesta.

Police said the restaurant staff were left shocked and upset by what had happened and praised their actions in dealing calmly with the situation and complying with the raiders' demands.

A spokeswoman for McDonald's said the company was pleased that no-one was injured and staff were working closely with police to catch the offenders.

Detective Sergeant David Grover of Littlehampton Police has appealed for anyone with information or who saw anyone acting suspiciously or who may have seen the silver-coloured car entering or leaving the restaurant to contact police.

Witnesses should call Littlehampton detectives on 0845 60 70 999.