POLICE are hunting an armed robber who raided a takeaway with a knife.

Detectives have released CCTV of the suspect and are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following the incident, which took place on Friday at 12.07am.

A man with his face covered entered Subway in Wimborne Road in Winton, opposite the junction of Wycliffe Road.

The robber threatened a member of staff with a knife before demanding cash from the till.

It is understood the takeaway was staffed by a single teenager and the raider escaped with just £50.

The raider is described as white, around five feet six inches tall, had his face covered with a scarf and hood and was carrying a blue rucksack.

Detective Constable Leo Glendon, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the member of staff who was thankfully uninjured.

“From our enquiries we believe the suspect left the shop, turned right and then right again into Withermoor Road.

“I am appealing for anyone who recognises the suspect or saw someone similar to the man pictured in the area at the time to please contact Dorset Police on 101.

“All calls will be dealt with in strict confidence.”

Traders working in the area spoke at their shock at the incident, with one woman, who asked not to be named, saying she had been left nervous about working late hours after the raid.

Corey shaw, who works at the Spar opposite the takeaway, said: "I finished at 11pm and it was very quiet outside.

"I got the bus right outside Subway at 11.13pm so it wasn't that long before the robbery."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 9:01.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.