A SHOCKED shop worker was threatened with a knife during a robbery at a Bournemouth convenience store.

Detectives say the suspect had made repeated attempts to top up his mobile phone at the same Costcutter store prior to the robbery, which happened on Tuesday evening just after 9pm.

According to police, the man entered the store in Palmerston Road and walked up to the counter holding a small kitchen knife.

After threatening the male member of staff, the thug demanded cash, left the store and cycled off towards Boscombe.

A quantity of cash was stolen in the raid.

When the Echo approached the store, a worker declined to comment - only to confirm the incident had taken place.

Now investigators are working to trace the suspect, who is described as white, of slim build and was wearing a black coat, jeans and rode a black mountain bike.

The member of staff, a local man, was not physically injured.

Police officers attended the store and carried out a search of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter.

No one was located and no arrests have been made.

Detective Constable Andy Hale, of Bournemouth CID, said: “From our initial enquiries we know that the suspect had made a number of attempts prior to the incident to top up his mobile phone at the store.

“On each occasion his card failed. I know there were a number of customers during this time and I would urge anyone who visited the store between 8.25pm and 9.05pm to please contact Dorset Police.

“Finally, I would ask anyone who saw a man matching the description given in the area at the relevant times to please come forward.”

Contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170162650.