A MASKED robber pulled a semi-automatic pistol on a petrol sales attendant before running off with £300 this week.

He strolled into the Save Service Station on Owen Road in Lancaster, produced the silver semi-automatic pistol and pointed it at the 28-year-old male assistant.

The robber was hiding his face with a blue baseball cap and maroon scarf. He entered the station and posed as a customer for a few minutes before he pulled the gun.

The assistant who handed over the cash, was unharmed but was described as 'badly shaken' by police. He ran off towards Mainway after the robbery took place at about 9pm last Thursday.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Jim Duncan appealed to the public for information. A police spokesman added: "There was nobody in the station at the time although there were cars passing and someone may have seen him running towards Skerton. Nobody was physically hurt but the attendant was deeply shocked as you can imagine. We need anyone who knows anything to come forward as soon as possible."

The robber was 6ft, between 30 and 40, stocky and with no discernable accent. He wore a a black three-quarter length jacket, baggy blue jean, a maroon scarf and a royal blue baseball cap with white writing on it.

Just two weeks ago there was another robbery at Scotforth post office. At least three robbers armed with baseball bats bound postmaster Keith Miller and his wife Angela before taking thousands of pounds. Police are not linking the crimes.

Anyone with any information should contact Lancaster police 633333

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