At just after 8pm, an unknown man wearing a hooded top – with the hood up and a scarf covering his face – entered the Co-Op on Roden Close, Dothill and walked around the store.

He approached the counter and produced a large knife which he waved at a male member of staff in a threatening manner.

The man with the knife gestured for the staff member to open the till and understandably he did as he was told.

A police spokesman said: “As soon as the till was open the offender grabbed a number of notes from inside and then made off at speed, turning right as soon as he left the shop and going out of sight.

“It is thought the man made off with almost £200 in cash.

“Although shaken by this incident the staff member has been able to provide a description of the offender.

“He is described as being white, around 6ft tall, aged in his early 20s and as having a shaved head. He is also described as wearing a black hooded top with a motif on it, a grey scarf, black tracksuit bottoms with white panels down the side of each leg and black trainers with red laces.

“Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the offender running away from the scene after this robbery, or anyone who believes they may know his identity.

“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting reference number 523S 160313.

“Alternatively, please remember Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you’d rather leave information without getting directly involved yourself.