Masked robber threatened Rugby shop worker with knife before stealing cash

Warwickshire Police is investigating the robbery which happened in Rugby on Christmas Eve and officers are appealing for information from the public.

At about 9.40pm on December 24 a man was seen behaving suspiciously outside One Stop in Lower Hillmorton Road.

As he went into the shop he pulled a dark mask down over his face.

He jumped over the counter and threatened a member of staff with a knife, demanding that he opened the till.

As customers entered the shop the staff member told them to leave for their own safety.

He was then forced to hand over the cash tray from the till as the offender pushed the knife into his side and told him to hurry up.

The staff member was not injured.

The offender emptied the cash into a black, plastic bin liner, jumped back over the counter and left the scene.

As he ran along Lower Hillmorton Road and Vere Road he was chased by number of people who had been at the Jolly Abbot pub.

He made off in a small silver car.

He is described as man of mixed race, 6ft 1inch tall, slim build with dark eyes and a dark beard which could be seen underneath his Halloween style mask.

He was wearing dark clothing and dark gloves and was carrying a stainless steel knife with a 6inch blade.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on December 25 in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail until January 31.

Investigating officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Lower Hillmorton Road on Christmas Eve and may have seen something significant.

Anyone with information is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101.