Off-duty policeman '˜threatened with screwdriver' after town centre burglary

An off-duty policeman was threatened with what is thought to have been a screwdriver when he chased one of a gang after a town centre burglary.

Now police are appealing for witnesses following the burglary at ‘GAME’ in West Street, Horsham, yesterday.

Officers say three men were seen walking into the store at around 3.45pm before escaping with around £1,500 worth of video games.

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An off duty officer, who was in the store at the time, chased one of the suspects before being threatened with what was believed to be a screwdriver, but, say police, he was not hurt.

A 24-year-old man was arrested by uniformed officers shortly afterwards on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. “He currently remains in custody while enquiries continue,” said a police spokesman.

Two other men are thought to have got into a Ford Fiesta before driving off.

Detective Sergeant Vicki Tomlinson said: “One of the suspects has been described as white, around 6’3” with brown hair shaved at the sides. He was wearing a dark jumper and jeans with an ear bar in his left ear.

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“The other suspect is described as being much smaller, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. If you were in the town centre on Thursday afternoon and saw anything suspicious then please get in touch.”

Witnesses can report information online (https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/) quoting reference 837 of 16/02.

Alternatively you can email [email protected] or call 101.