ARRESTS were made less than two hours after a failed attempt to rob a Barnham convenience store.
Just before 6.30pm on December 1, a suspect, described as a teenage youth, walked into the Barnham Superfayre store in Lake Lane, he produced what appeared to be a handgun, and demanded money.
However when the sole member of staff went to phone the police, he ran off empty-handed and got into a car waiting nearby which sped off.
The staff member was shaken but unhurt.
As a result of immediate police enquiries, a silver Mercedes saloon was stopped just under two hours later by unarmed officers at the A27 junction with the A22 at Polegate in East Sussex.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.
A boy was later arrested at a Bognor Regis address on suspicion of the same offence.
The trio, one aged 32 of no fixed address, one aged 35 of Bognor, and a 15-year-old boy also from Bognor, were later released on police bail until December 7.
Detective Constable Jon Berisford said; “We are keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened, so if you can help please call us via 101 quoting serial 1317 of 1/12.
“You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”