Police have appealed for information following a knifepoint robbery in Exeter today.
The incident happened at around 12.50am at the Esso petrol station on Cowley Bridge Road.
A man, thought to be in his late 30s, entered the petrol station with a large knife, picked up a till and when he was unable to open the till, he threatened a member of staff to hand over cash.
The man left the shop and ran into an alleyway which leads through to Lower Argyll Mews. The police helicopter was called to assist in the search for this offender.
0125hrs – assist in search near St Davids, Exeter for suspect following robbery. Search of area – no trace, enquiries cont by @DC_Police
— NPAS Exeter (@NPAS_Exeter) December 12, 2016
There was one member of staff in the shop at the time who was uninjured in the robbery. No customers were in the store at the time of the incident.
The man is described as white, in his late 30s, of slim build and 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing a black hooded jacket with a black scarf across his face, dark trousers, and black gloves. He also had a local Exeter accent.
Detective Inspector Tanya Youngs said: “This is a shocking and serious crime and we are determined to identify and apprehend the man responsible.
“The staff at the shop were thankfully unhurt but understandably distressed.
“We are appealing for your help and if you have any information please don’t hesitate to contact us at the earliest opportunity.”
Police are keen to hear from anyone who believes they know the identity of this man. Anyone with relevant information is asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting CR/087733/16. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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