A GANG of masked thieves terrorised a shopworker in what police called "an aggravated burglary".

At least half a dozen people, some wearing masks and balaclavas with skull designs, threatened a member of staff at Screwfix in Bawtry Road, Selby.

North Yorkshire Police said the gang forced their way into the store as it was closing at about 8pm, and it was not yet clear what had been stolen, but workers at the store were undertaking a stock check to find out more.

A spokesman said: "Thankfully the member of staff was not physically injured during the incident.

"It is believed there were around six or seven people in the group, three of them are described as wearing black clothing, two with a face-warmer covering part of their face with a skull design on it, and one wearing a balaclava and sunglasses. All were around 6 feet tall."

Detectives want to speak to anyone who noticed a disturbance at the store or saw any suspicious people or vehicles close to Bawtry Road Industrial Estate and Staynor Hall at the time.

Anyone with any information should phone 101, select option two and ask for the York Serious Crime Team, or email SCTYork@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting reference 12180209400.