POLICE have appealed for help from the public to trace a gunman who robbed a convenience store in Birchwood on Saturday night.

A man brandishing a firearm raided the McColl’s store on Oakwood Centre on Admirals Road at around 8.30pm on Saturday, February 16.

The offender threatened members of staff and a customer, demanding money from the till.

He stashed a quantity of cash in a plastic McColl’s bag and stole a pack of cigarettes during the armed robbery, before fleeing via the back of the building and Whitethroat Walk.

Police have described the man as being white, around 5ft 8ins and wearing all dark clothing including a hoodie with the hood up.

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The robber also had a cap underneath the hood, and an item of clothing covering the bottom half of his face.

Detective constable Tom Ashton said: “This was a terrifying incident, and the shop workers and the customer who were threatened by the offender have understandably been left extremely shaken up.

“It has not yet been established whether the gun he was carrying was real or imitation.

“The weapon was not discharged and no injuries were reported.

“I would like to assure residents that incidents such as these are rare, and that we are doing everything we can to identify the offender and bring him to justice.

“Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing, and as part of our investigation I am appealing for anyone who was in the area between 8.15pm and 8.45pm on Saturday, February 16, and thinks they have seen the offender to get in touch.

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“The same goes for anyone who thinks they have may CCTV or dashcam footage of him, or know his identity.

“If you can help or have any other information that may aid our investigation, please contact the team here at Warrington Police Station or independent charity Crimestoppers - you can do so anonymously.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 324243, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11