A ROBBER armed with a suspected hand gun targeted a Costcutter store in York.

A man believed to be aged in his 20s entered the convenience store in Heworth Road yesterday, Wednesday, at about 12.45pm.

Police said the robber passed the cashier a note demanding money from the till before showing them a suspected black hand gun in the waistband of his trousers.

The contents of the till were handed over and the suspect left the shop.

The man is described as skinny, about 5ft 10ins tall and having short blond or ginger hair. He wore a khaki hooded top with a zip at the front.

Detective Inspector Jackie Smart said: “Our detectives are working around the clock on this investigation but members of the public may have vital information that could help us.

“This incident happened in a relatively busy residential area at a time when people will have been out and about. So if you saw anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant it may seem, we’d like to hear from you.”

Detectives believe members of the public may have seen two men shouting nearby before running down Dales Lane. One continued down Dales Lane while the other turned right and ran into Harrison Street. They want to speak to anyone who witnessed this.

One is described as 5ft 11in tall, medium build with short dark hair, tight blue jeans and a grey hooded top. He wore blue and white trainers.

The other man was about 5ft 7in or 5ft 8in and was of a medium build with short light brown hair. He wore dark blue jogging bottoms, a green cardigan with a zip and a light-coloured t-shirt underneath.

Officers have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage.

They are appealing for anyone with information to call 01609 643279 quoting reference number 12180130457.