Manhunt after knife-point robbery at Exeter petrol station

At around 12.50am on Monday 12 December 2016, a man armed with a large knife, entered the Esso petrol station on Cowley Bridge Road in Exeter.

A man, thought to be in his late 30s, picked up a till which was located in the Subway concession of the store. He was unable to open the till and threatened a member of staff to hand over approximately £400 in notes.

The man left the shop and ran into an alleyway which leads through to Lower Argyll Mews. The police helicopter was called to assist in the search for this offender.

There was one member of staff in the shop at the time who was uninjured in the robbery.  No customers were in the store at the actual time of the incident.

The man is described as white, in his late 30s, of slim build and 5ft 10ins tall.  He was wearing a black hooded jacket with a black scarf across his face, dark trousers, and black gloves. He also had a local Exeter accent.

Detective Inspector Tanya Youngs said: “This is a shocking and serious crime and we are determined to identify and apprehend the man responsible.

“The staff at the shop were thankfully unhurt but understandably distressed.

“We are appealing for your help and if you have any information please don’t hesitate to contact us at the earliest opportunity."

Police are keen to hear from anyone who believes they know the identity of this man. Anyone with relevant information is asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting CR/087733/16.  Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.