AN armed robber threatened shop staff with a kitchen knife before fleeing with cash following a robbery at a shop.

Police were called to Londis on New Street in Sutton at around 10pm on Monday (February 1).

He demanded money before escaping on foot.

No one was hurt but two members of staff were said to have been left very shaken.

An extensive search of the area was carried out and a cordon was set up around the shop for forensic enquiries to be carried out. CCTV footage is also being examined.

The robber is described as white, of slim build and between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall. He was wearing a dark hooded top and tracksuit bottoms and his face was covered.

Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness from St Helens CID said: "Thankfully no-one was injured during this robbery but staff and customers were left shaken by what happened.

"The force is absolutely determined to crack down on attempts to rob businesses across Merseyside and we are continuing to run a range of proactive initiatives to help them improve security.

"I can reassure people in St Helens we are doing everything we can to trace and arrest this offender and I would urge anyone who may have seen the man acting suspiciously around the premises at about 10pm to get in touch."

Anyone with information can call detectives in St Helens CID on 0151 777 6013 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.