A TEENAGE shop assistant was left in shock after a newsagents was robbed at knifepoint on Sunday.

The 15-year-old girl was alone in Taylors Newsagents, Areley Common when a man carrying a vegetable-type knife entered the store at 12pm.

The man, who had covered his face with a tea towel or scarf, went behind the counter, opened the till and grabbed a substantial quantity of cash which he put in his pocket and ran off.

Detective constable Shelley Aplin of West Mercia Police said: “The shop assistant was not injured but this was a very distressing experience for her.

“She was in a state of shock and an ambulance was called to check her over as a precaution.

“House to house inquiries were conducted, and an extensive search of the area was carried out by officers including dog handlers.”

The man is described as white, about 5ft 5ins in height, of skinny build, in his early 20s, and with a local accent.

He was wearing a light grey tracksuit top.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact DC Aplin on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 290-s-150913.

Alternatively, ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.