A terrified shop manager feared he was going to be stabbed after a masked man held a knife to his throat during a robbery which has shocked a city estate.
The 55-year-old shop manager, who does not wish to be named, said the knife was held close to his neck by the masked robber at Weston News in Lichfield Avenue in Ronkswood, Worcester.
As the 'aggressive' masked man held the knife to his throat, the shop manager's frightened wife, 47, was ordered to empty the till as he tried to remain as still as he could.
West Mercia Police has released a CCTV image of the suspect in the hope he can be identified as part of an appeal to the public for help.
The shop manager said: "I believe, I strongly believe, this was one of my customers. It would be helpful if people can come forward.
"My wife was at the till. I didn't realise he had a knife and then he held it to my face and neck.
"I was very shocked. I didn't expect it. My wife was at the till and I was standing next to her. He said you should 'tell your wife to open the till, give all the money'.
"He said 'give me it quickly'. He was still holding the knife right next to me - it was very close to my neck. I didn't move. He was very aggressive. I feared I was going to be stabbed. I believe he was a very aggressive and violent person."
He said his concern now is that something similar will happen again. It is the first time he has been robbed at the shop which he took over in May 2021.
The man ran off with money from the till following the robbery. A man wearing a scarf to cover his face, and a black and grey jacket approached the counter and threatened staff with a knife.
No-one was injured but staff were left shaken from the incident which took place at about 6.10pm on Wednesday, November 13.
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Cllr Willmore described the robbery as 'absolutely awful' and said 'staff must've been terrified'.
She added: "The emotional trauma as result of such an experience can have lasting effects and hope the staff are being provided with the support they need."
CCTV of someone who was in the area at the time of the incident has been given to officers and they are keen to speak to the person seen in the picture to help with their enquiries.
Anyone who can identify the man seen in the picture or has any information that would help with enquiries, should contact Detective Constable Florence Eglinton by emailing florence.eglinton@westmercia.police.uk or by calling 01905 716878
Alternatively, anyone who has information but doesn’t feel comfortable speaking to police, can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
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