Thieves threatened worker with axe

Police are hunting three masked men who threatened a shop worker with knives and an axe during a robbery.

The men escaped with tobacco, alcohol and a three-figure sum of cash following the raid at the Scotmid store in Station Road, Law, North Lanarkshire on Thursday evening.

They entered, threatened the female member of staff with weapons and then fled into a dark-coloured vehicle nearby.

Detective Constable Iain Hughes said: “Thankfully there was no-one injured during this incident, however it is vital we catch the culprits before they get a chance to strike again and cause more fear and alarm to those people who are just going about their daily work.

“We are aware there has been a recent increase in serious incidents in this area and we are looking at them both individually and collectively to establish any connection between the crimes.

“We are also increasing our uniform presence within the local area, with additional patrols to help reduce any fear of crime.”

The shop assistant was not injured but was left very distressed, police said.

All three suspects are described as white, 5ft 8in to 6ft tall and of medium build. One was wearing a light grey North Face tracksuit and the other two wore black clothing with one carrying a Nike rucksack.