A MASKED robber who held a knife to the throat of a shop assistant is being hunted by police.

Detectives have launched an urgent investigation to identify the man who struck in North Swindon on Friday night.

Officers were called to Tesco Express in the Abbey Meads Village Centre shortly before 10pm after staff raised the alarm.

After entering the shop with his hood up and face partially covered, the suspect grabbed a female shop assistant's right arm tightly and pulled her towards the tills, demanding money.

He was armed with what has been described as a kitchen knife which he pointed towards her throat.

The robber managed to flee with an unknown quantity of notes, turning left out of the shop, in Elstree Way, and then down an alleyway running alongside.

He is described as between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in, skinny, in his late teens or early 20s, wearing rectangular glasses and a black hoodie and jacket with a navy blue balaclava.

He had light blue jeans with rips in one of the knees and dark trainers with two sets of stripes.

In an effort to apprehend the suspect before he puts anyone else at risk, Wiltshire Police have moved quickly to release CCTV images taken at the store.

Detective Sergeant Scott Anger said: “I would appeal to anyone who recognises the suspect to contact Wiltshire Police CID urgently by calling 101.

"Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

“I am also very keen to hear from witnesses who were in the store at the time or immediately before or after who may have seen the suspect hanging around or making his escape.

“Thankfully such armed incidents are not common. I hope the CCTV images will lead someone to call in with the information we need.”