Detectives today released the first CCTV images of the getaway car used by a gunman after he threatened terrified staff at a Telford petrol station.

The gunman pulled up at Asda petrol station in Donnington Wood and brandished a handgun while demanding cash. He fled empty-handed after the terrified female cashier withdrew from the glass screen where he was pointing the gun at her on June 9.

Today Detective Inspector Alan Black, of Telford CID, appealed for help in tracing the car used in the attempted robbery.

“The CCTV images show a dark green Fiat Punto which had its wheel trims missing and its sunroof open,” he added.

“We believe it is a model between 1999 and 2002 which would make it either a V-plate or an 02 or 52 plate vehicle with five doors.”

Mr Black said the car only contained one person who staff said was wearing a black beard and had a black woolly beanie-style hat pulled to the top of his eyes.

He pulled up to the window brandishing the handgun, while demanding the staff hand over cash.

Traumatised

Police do not know if his beard was fake in a bid to disguise himself or whether it was real.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman

Mr Black added: “The driver of the car was at the kiosk for a matter of just five seconds before he moved on.

“He showed some sort of handgun but we do not know if it was imitation or a real handgun.

“The two female cashiers, especially the one at the window, were left very traumatised by this incident.

“We would urge anyone with information about this car or the man who was driving it to come forward.”

The vehicle did not stop at the fuel pumps but drove straight to the kiosk. He added: “He held a handgun through his open window and told the staff to give him the money.

“The staff member withdrew and he drove off.

“This man only spoke to the staff to tell them to give him the money before driving off.

“Somebody may recognise the features of the car such as the missing wheel trims.

“These witnesses are vital to our investigation.”

The staff escaped unharmed but traumatised in the attempted robbery which happened at 9.45pm.