A shop assistant was left “upset and distressed” after being robbed at knifepoint in St Ives on Monday.

The Hunts Post: CostCutter, St Ives, raided at knife point, owner Brian Anderson,CostCutter, St Ives, raided at knife point, owner Brian Anderson, (Image: Archant)

A man burst into the Costcutter store in Ramsey Road at about 5.50pm and waited for the assistant to emerge from the stock room before brandishing a knife and demanding cash.

The man, whose face was concealed with a hooded sweatshirt, marched her to the front of the shop and forced her to open the till.

He then grabbed almost £300 worth of cash before making his escape. Footage captured by the store’s CCTV cameras show then man fleeing across Ramsey Road where he is joined by an accomplice before disappearing into an alley towards Hurstingstone.

Shop owner Brian Anderson was full of praise for how his staff member dealt with the incident.

He said: “She is obviously very upset and very distressed by what happened but she handled the situation the right way. She didn’t panic and she did the right thing.

“The incident has put everyone on edge but the shop has been in my family all my life and we will continue to trade as normal.”

Mr Anderson said the man had an Eastern European accent and was wearing a distinctive grey Converse sweatshirt. He was also wearing black shoes with red soles.

Detective Constable Jo Grant said: “I would like to hear from anyone who has any information in relation to this robbery.

“This is a serious offence that would have been terrifying for the female member of staff involved.

“We are keen to catch the person responsible as soon as possible and urge anybody with any information to come forward.”

INFO: Call police on 101.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Cambridgeshire police on 101.