A MASKED robber fled with cash from a till after threatening a Bournemouth shop worker with a large knife early this morning.

Police have appealed for witnesses following the raid which took place at Costcutter in Wimborne Road, Northbourne at 5.20am.

They said the robber brandished the knife before stealing the cash and fleeing and running down Avebury Avenue.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The robber is described as as five feet 11 inches tall and of slim build. He wore a light grey zipped up hooded top, dark blue Nike tracksuit bottoms, dark-coloured trainers with white soles and bright blue shoelaces. He had a mask covering his face and wore gloves with orange fingertips.

Detective Constable Nick Taylor, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Wimborne Road or Avebury Avenue area at around 5.20am today and saw a man matching the description given to please contact me.

“This was a terrifying experience for the member of staff and I would like to reassure the community that a full and thorough investigation is underway, including house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.

“We are also looking for the knife that was used in this incident and I would ask local residents to check their gardens in the event the weapon may have been discarded by the suspect. If they find something of interest, please do not touch it but call Dorset Police immediately.”

Anyone with information should called Dorset Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting occurrence number 55180200851.