A KNIFE-WIELDING robber smashed a glass door when a panic alarm was activated at a petrol station.

A staff member was injured and now police have appealed for help to track down the offender.

Police were called to the Shell garage in Bournemouth Road, Poole at 5.37pm yesterday.

They were told a man had entered the store and threatened a staff member with a knife.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "The staff member was able to sound a panic alarm and the offender forced his way out of the premises by smashing a glass door.

"A bottle of drink was stolen from the premises. The victim sustained a small cut to his finger during the incident."

The offender was wearing a dark top with the hood pulled up and a face mask. His was also wearing dark trousers and black shoes.

Detective Sergeant Karen Penn, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said: “This must have been a very distressing incident for the victim and we have launched a full investigation to identify the man responsible.

“From our enquiries, we believe the offender was hanging around outside the petrol station for some time before the incident and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity, or who saw a man matching the description given, around the time of the robbery to please contact us.

“I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam fitted to their vehicle to check their footage for anything relevant.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200173401, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.