POLICE are on the hunt after a knifepoint robbery at a petrol station in Stevenston this morning.

Around 7.45am, a man entered the petrol station on Boglemart Street close to Hillside Street. He presented a knife, before demanding that the service assistant hand over money. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, with a two figure sum of cash, heading in the direction of the houses at Aisla Drive.

The service assistant, a 63-year-old woman, was uninjured as a result of the incident.

At the time of the incident, the man was dressed entirely in dark clothing. He is described as wearing navy skip with black Nike lettering, a black Berghaus rain jacket,dark bottoms and white trainers, and carrying a yellow JD Sports bag.

Detective Inspector Mick Carr, Ayrshire CID, said today: “Our enquiries are underway to trace the man responsible for this robbery. The shop attendant was not injured, but was left in a state of shock following the incident.

“We’ve conducted door to door enquiries and continue to assess CCTV to determine his direction of travel following the robbery.

“I would ask anyone with any information to get in contact. You may have seen a man in dark clothing running towards through the houses behind the petrol station. You may not think the information you have is much, but as part of our broader investigation, it could really make all the difference."

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Saltcoats CID 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in complete confidence."