A man has been arrested following an attempted robbery in Copthorne.

Shortly after 6pm on Saturday a man reportedly demanded money from staff at the Kwik Mart convenience store in Copthorne Bank. The would-be thief fled empty handed after staff called for help and members of the public detained a man nearby until officers arrived on the scene.

Chef Nayib Pailos, aged 33, was later charged with assault with intent to commit robbery and possession of a bladed article in public. He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was remanded in custody until the 13th of July.