A MASKED ROBBER burst into a Shropshire newsagent’s in broad daylight and forced terrified staff to hand over cash at knifepoint.

Police said the man produced a “short sword or large knife” before ordering staff at Top Shop in New Road, Wrockwardine Wood, Telford, to empty money into a bag he was carrying. But eyewitnesses claimed today the weapon was more like a Samurai sword.

Police said staff handed over more than £500 in cash during the raid at 2.45pm yesterday and the man fled.

Armed officers swooped on the scene along with the force helicopter and police dogs in the hunt for the robber. A forensic team was also called to scour the shop for clues.

Eyewitness Paul Webb, manager of Parkinsons the Butchers, which is next door to the newsagent’s, said: “A lad in a black hoodie and with paint on his trousers walked towards the shop which was robbed.

“He walked back and then five minutes after that he walked towards the shop again. The next thing I knew, he ran like a greyhound back the other way.

“He had a brown paper bag in his hand and was carrying something black which looked like a bar but apparently it was a Samurai sword.

“Armed police arrived – I’ve never seen so many officers, along with the police helicopter and police dogs. He ran off down an alleyway.”

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said: “We received a report of an armed robbery at a shop in Wrockwardine Wood just after 2.45pm involving a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a weapon described as a large knife or short sword.

“He demanded staff put money into a bag before leaving the scene. We are studying CCTV footage from adjoining shops and also speaking to witnesses.”

He said the robber was described as white, slim and about 5ft 11ins tall.

“He is also described as wearing dark clothing, including a hooded top with light coloured, possibly gold, writing or a symbol of some sort on it,” said Mr Ammonds. “The offender also appeared to have splashes of paint or plaster on his dark trousers.”

Contact Telford police on 0300 333 3000.

By Kirsty Smallman