Police hunt armed robber after raid on Cowdenbeath garage.

Knife brandished at shop worker in early morning assault

A masked raider brandished a knife at a shop worker during an early-morning raid on a Fife petrol station.

Police launched a major investigation yesterday following the assault at the Gulf garage on Cowdenbeath High Street.

A three-figure sum of cash was taken by the culprit during the incident, which occurred shortly after 5am.

A large police presence remained at the scene throughout the day, with officers appealing for information as they try to track down the armed robber.

Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan from Dunfermline CID said: “Thankfully the shop worker was uninjured but was understandably left shaken.

“We are keen to trace the suspect as soon as possible and would ask anyone with information that can help with our inquiries to get in touch.

“We believe the man arrived and left on foot and would ask anyone who was in the High Street area around 5am this morning and who may have seen any suspicious behaviour to contact us as soon as possible.

“Equally anyone who knows who is responsible, or has information that can help with our investigations, is asked to contact officers immediately.”

As well as cash, a quantity of cigarettes was also taken before the thief left the premises.

He was last seen heading towards Foulford Road.

Police have issuwed a profile of the suspect, describing him as of slim build, aged around 20.

He had his face covered with a balaclava and was carrying a darkcoloured holdall.

Paul Slater, who owns a car dealership next to the petrol station, said he had been contacted by police in the early hours to tell him about the raid.

“The garage is open 24 hours and I know the staff well,” he said.

“I don’t know who was on duty at the time though, but the owner stays up in Dundee and I’ve not seen him yet.”

Those with information are asked to contact Dunfermline CID on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We believe the man arrived and left on foot and would ask anyone who was in the High Street area around 5am this morning and who may have seen any suspicious behaviour to contact us

Picture: Steven Brown. Police at the Gulf petrol station on High Street, Cowdenbeath, after the robbery.