THIS is the moment when staff at an off-licence in Bournemouth were robbed at knife point.

A man ran into Down The Hatch off-licence in Holdenhurst Road, Springbourne brandishing a fearsome looking kitchen knife with eight or 10 inch blade at about 10.30pm on Tuesday.

The man demanded that the man behind the counter open the till and he grabbed several bank notes while busy traffic passed outside.

He was in the shop for less than 20 seconds then left with a quantity of money.

According to the police the two men in their 30s who were working in the shop at the time were shocked but unharmed.

Detective Sergeant Alistair Rogers, from Bournemouth CID, said: "The man, who was wearing a beige beanie hat and dark sunglasses, ran off into Shelbourne Close towards the Wessex Way.

"I'm releasing very good pictures from the store's CCTV system of a man I'd like to speak with in connection with the robbery and I'd urge anyone who recognises the man to contact me urgently."

The suspect is white, 25 to 35 years old, five foot six inches tall and of medium build.

He was wearing a beige beanie hat, dark sunglasses, a beige long sleeved sweatshirt, dark blue tracksuit trousers with a white emblem and white trainers.

DS Rogers said: "It's vital that I hear from anyone who recognises this man as this will greatly help my investigation.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who saw what happened at the off-licence just before 10.30pm on Tuesday night and from anyone e4lse who knows or suspects that they know the identity of the man responsible."

Police believe this incident to be a one off and think that the robber was operating alone at the time.

  • Anyone with any information should contact the police on 01202 222222.