A man threatened newsagents staff with a gun and demanded money from a till in Chippenham yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the man escaped with cash after the raid at McColl's in Redlands, Chippenham at around 9:45pm on Sunday.

The man, who was wearing a balaclava and dark clothing, entered the store and demanded money from the till. He brandished what appeared to be a small handgun and left the shop with a quantity of cash.

The man is described as white, aged in his late twenties, approximately 6ft tall and had short dark hair. He was wearing dark coloured tracksuit bottoms with vertical white stripes down the legs and had a dark three-quarter length jacket and black trainers.

The raider was caught on the shop's CCTV system.

Acting Detective Sergeant Louise Randall, who is leading the investigation, said: "Fortunately no one was injured in this incident but the staff members were very shocked and frightened and we are working closely with them.

"We understand that there will be concern in the community and our Neighbourhood Policing Team are available to help provide reassurance and advice.

"Our Crime Scene Investigators have examined the scene and inquiries have continued overnight. Today further searches of the area will be carried out and officers will conduct house to house inquiries in the area.

"We thank residents in advance for their understanding and co operation."

"We need to identify this man and ask that anyone who was in the area around 9 to 10pm last night comes forward as they may have vital information which could assist us to find him.

"We know that the man left the store and walked in the direction of Redlands, did you see a man matching the description? If so, please contact us."

Anyone with information cancontact A/DS Louise Randall on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.