Two men charged with robbing man outside pub

Police were called to Broadwater Street East at approximately 6.45pm on Friday (December 16) to a reported armed robbery.

The victim, a 52-year-old man, had been in the car park at the Elms pub after parking his car when he was approached by two men.

He was threatened with a suspected gun and his car keys and VW Passat car were stolen along with his wallet, containing £300. He was left uninjured.

The car was traced to Northbourne Close, Shoreham, where it had been abandoned and two men were arrested at Shoreham Railway Station.

A suspected imitation firearm was recovered nearby.

Liam Smith, 21, of Brighton Road, Crawley, and David Chiswell, 23, of Kingsland Close, Shoreham, have been charged with robbery and possession of a firearm, with Chiswell also charged with possession of two lock knives.

They both appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, December 19) but gave no pleas and were remanded in custody to appear at Chichester Crown Court on March 8.

Police believe there was a verbal altercation near to the pub between a man and woman shortly before the robbery and officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting serial 1333 of 16/12, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.