A MAN got stuck in a branch of Pret A Manger after staff locked up without realising he was still inside.

Michael Dines had been enjoying a coffee at Pret in North Street, Brighton yesterday.

He settled down upstairs, but staff failed to notice him when they closed up, leaving him trapped.

He posted a live video on Facebook calling for help, saying: “I don’t fancy staying in here all night”.

He called the police and the fire brigade, who he said sent an engine and four firefighters to his aid.

Michael said a store manager eventually arrived and helped him out.

He told The Argus: “I was just having a coffee upstairs and when I came down to go out the doors had closed. The guy behind the counter wasn’t there. I was locked in and I had no way out.”

Michael was unfazed. “I felt all right,” he said. “I wasn’t really worried – I knew I’d get out some time.

“I didn’t think I would be there forever. And I knew there was enough food in Pret to keep me going for a while.”

The Argus:

He said he had posted on the Brighton and Hove Noticeboard Facebook group in the hope that someone might know a member of staff.

He added: “The police said I should go out through the fire escape, but I couldn’t find one and they couldn’t get through.

“The only thing I could do was post on Facebook.

He later posted: “Thank you everyone I’m out safe with the help of four lovely firefighters.”

Pret A Manger offered a "huge thank you to Sussex Police" for letting the company know Michael was stuck in the shop.

A spokeswoman said: "We certainly didn't mean to lock him in there and hope we can welcome him back soon - perhaps for a shorter visit this time".