A masked man wielding a knife robbed a petrol station in Knaresborough last night (Thursday).
It happened just before 11pm when the man entered the Asda petrol station on Wetherby Road.
He jumped over the tills and stole a quantity of tobacco and cash which he placed in a shopping bag.
The suspect, who had a knife with him, told three members of staff present to lie on the ground, before leaving the shop and heading down Manse Lane.
There were no customers in the shop at the time, and no one was injured in the incident.
The suspect is described as having a slim build.
He was wearing a large ‘puffa style’ high-vis jacket with a navy blue sweatshirt underneath, dark jeans, a dark-coloured beanie hat, dark-coloured work boots, gloves and a white mask over his face.
A police spokesperson said:
“We understand this is a very concerning incident. Officers will be in the area throughout the day to provide reassurance, and conduct house-to-house and forensic enquiries.
“If you were in in the Wetherby Road area of Knaresborough around the time of the incident, and saw anything, or have relevant dashcam footage, please contact Harrogate CID at North Yorkshire Police immediately.
“Email DS Tom Barker at tom.barker@northyorkshire.police.uk or dial 101, quoting reference 12240114253.”