POLICE are hunting a man who threatened a female shop supervisor with a knife before stealing about £70 in cash.

The robbery took place at United North West Co-op Late Shop in Church Road, Rainford, at about 9.15pm on Thursday, July 11.

After wandering around the shop for a short while, the robber eventually picked up a lolly and made his way to the counter. As the woman took his money and opened the till, he lunged at her pushing her back against the spirits counter and producing a large, butcher's-style knife which he brandished at her.

The man then grabbed money from the till and safe and ran off, leaving the woman shocked and shaken.

She later described him as being in his late 20s or early 30s, between 5ft 6 and 8ins, with a pasty complexion. He wore a blue jacket, jeans, trainers and a blue baseball cap. He spoke with a St Helens accent and may also have wore an earring

The knife was between 7 and 10 inches long and straight-edged with a black handle.

Police would particularly like to speak to four men who were in the shop at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information can contact DC Richardson at St Helens police station on 0151 777 6050, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you may be eligible for a reward. All calls will be treated with confidentiality.

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