A MASKED man armed with a hammer threatened two women shop workers before stealing cash.

He struck shortly after 8pm on Saturday, May 23 at the Co-Op store on Prescot Road, demanding cash.

Police say the offender, who was wearing a balaclava, left the store with money and was last seen running up Prescot Road towards St Helens.

He is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 8in tall with a slim build. He was wearing dark clothing and may have been wearing a North Face coat.

Neither of the women who worked in the shop were injured, but they were distressed by their ordeal.

Detective Sergeant Lisa McNaughton, said: "This was a very frightening incident for the two ladies who were working in the store at the time.  Thankfully they weren't injured during the incident, but they were extremely distressed.

"I would like to reassure people who live locally that we are doing everything we can to arrest the person responsible.

"I would appeal to anyone who saw anything which may help our inquiries, or who recognises the description of the offender, to get in contact with us as soon as possible.

"Prescot Road is a main road in and out of St Helens and someone may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area prior to the robbery taking place."
  
Anyone with information can contact detectives at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6061, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.