The 18-year-old student, from Penwortham, near Preston, was working at Friargate News on Friargate, Preston, when the thug burst into the shop and pushed his way behind the counter.

He opened the till and stole a bundle of notes, shouting at the assistant to ask if there was any more cash.

He then told the terrified girl to lie on the floor because he would be "coming back".

The offender snatched some cigarettes from the display behind the counter before running out of the shop.

The incident happened on September 14 at 4.50pm, but police have only now released CCTV images of the incident to try to bring anyone with information forward.

Det Sgt John Crichton, who is investigating the robbery, said: "It was a very frightening experience for the young girl.

It was obviously a pre-planned robbery.

"We want to make the city of Preston a safer place and we can only do that if we catch criminals like him."

CCTV shows the man loitering outside for a moment before entering the shop.

He was wearing a cream camouflaged hooded top with the hood up, as well as blue tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

He is described as being in his late 20s and is around 5 ft 11in.

Call Preston Police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.



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