A YOUNG Selby mother was recovering at home today after a terrifying ordeal at the hands of an armed robber.

The part-time assistant was working alone in the Tyke filling station shop, in Gowthorpe, Selby, when she saw the barrel of what appeared to be a small gun protruding from the robber's jacket pocket.

He then demanded cash from the till and the terrified woman handed over a substantial amount of money.

He then made off on a cycle in the direction of Leeds Road.

Today detectives appealed for customers to come forward who were at the garage between 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday.

The robber, said to be in his late teens or early 20s, went into the shop on several occasions on Saturday afternoon.

Detective Constable Simon Dixon said: "The garage was fairly busy and we are anxious to speak to customers who were there during this four-hour period.

"The shop assistant was very shocked and upset. It was a very traumatic experience for her.

"She saw what appeared to be a small gun at waist level, with the barrel protruding from a pocket in his jacket."

The woman, in her early 20s and from Barlby, was today said to be still very distressed.

Filling station manageress Maureen Lewis told the Evening Press today that the assistant had told her she did not want to work any more night shifts.

Mrs Lewis said: "She rang me on Saturday because she was worried about this man who was behaving suspiciously.

"He had been in several times buying 10p chew bars and asking her what time the shop closed.

"I told her to lock the door and phone the police, but apparently the shop got very busy and she opened the door again. It's frightening."

The robber is described as 5ft 10in, of slim build, with short hair, which could have been shaven, a thin face, prominent nose and stubble.

He was wearing a grubby-looking white jacket with a hood, dark-coloured jeans and a white baseball cap.

Anyone with information should contact Selby police on 01757 702596 or DC Dixon on 01904 669655.

Updated: 15:39 Monday, November 11, 2002