A knife-wielding thug made off with a haul of valium in a robbery that left chemist staff shaken but uninjured.

CID are appealing for information after the robbery at the Boots chemist in Irvine at around 4.20pm on Tuesday, July 21.

A man entered Boots on High Street and threatened staff with a knife, then made off with a quantity of Diazepam.

The five female members of staff in the shop were uninjured but badly shaken following this robbery at 4.17pm on Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect is described as white and in his late twenties, around 5ft 6ins in height and of slim build with a gaunt appearance.

He was wearing a camouflage hooded top, dark-coloured trousers and white trainers.

Detective Constable Fionntan Rankin of Saltcoats Police Station said: “We are currently carrying out enquiries in the local area and officers are gathering CCTV footage to establish more information on this robbery.

“The medication stolen includes Diazepam 2g, 5g and 10g, and these stolen drugs could have potentially serious or fatal consequences if they are taken by anyone for whom they are not prescribed.

“Any witnesses to this robbery, or anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in High Street or Parterre around the time of the robbery yesterday afternoon is asked to contact officers.

"I’d also like to hear from anyone who was driving on High Street and Parterre around 4.17pm with dash cam footage, as they may have information that will help our investigation.”

Any information can be passed to Saltcoats Police Station through 101 quoting reference number 2268 of 21 July. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.