ARMED police scoured a district of York after a masked gunman burst into a shop and robbed a frightened assistant.

The man pointed a handgun at the male assistant and demanded cash after entering the Spar shop in Heworth Road, Heworth, at about 6.40 last night.

Police said the raider shouted: "Just don't mess me about - give me all your money."

He fled in the direction of Dales Lane after getting away with a small amount of cash. An armed police unit searched the area but failed to trace him.

The shop's manager, who declined to be named, said the assistant had been offered counselling.

"He was obviously very shaken up," she said.

"It must have been an awful experience and it has left me feeling very on edge.

"Something like this can really hit you a few days later.

"You don't expect this sort of thing to happen round here. We've suffered vandalism and shoplifting before, but nothing like this."

The robber is described as about 6ft tall, with heavy stubble that was visible even though he had pulled a bobble hat over his face.

He was wearing a grey turtle-neck sweater and a cream jacket.

A spokeswoman for York police said: "This was an opportunist theft, but very serious because he was armed.

"We don't yet know if the gun was real or a fake.

"If anyone saw something we would urge them to come forward."

The owner of a nearby shop, who would not be named, said: "None of us can believe it - it must have been a horrible experience."

Anyone with information should contact York police on 01904 631321

The Evening Press reported last year that ram-raiders caused thousands of pounds damage when they smashed into the front of the Co-op Late Shop, in East Parade, Heworth. The raiders stole about £5,000 worth of cigarettes.

Updated: 12:42 Saturday, March 02, 2002