A MAN armed with a knife held up a convenience store in Poole on Sunday.

Dorset Police has launched an investigation after the Central Convenience Store on Ashley Road was targeted at around 7.40am.

The force said the man escaped with a quantity of cash after threatening staff and demanding money from the till.

He was then seen making his getaway towards Branksome.

A member of staff and two customers who were in the shop at the time were not physically injured during the incident.

The offender is described as white and he was wearing a black hooded top with a yellow pattern on the back.

Officers are conducting a search of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter.

The store was closed but was due to reopen yesterday. 

Detective Constable Ben Morgan, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw a man matching the description given entering or leaving the store on Ashley Road at around 7.40am this morning to please call me.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 15:81. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.