Asda petrol station gunman hunted

A gunman threatened terrified women cashiers at a Shropshire petrol station by demanding cash, but fleeing empty handed.

The man pulled up at the kiosk at the Asda petrol station in Donnington Wood, Telford, at 9.45pm yesterday and pulled out a handgun.

The two women working in the kiosk refused to hand any money over and the man fled empty-handed.

Detectives today said the two women had been left very distressed by the incident but were unharmed.

A spokesman said forensics had scoured the scene last night and CCTV footage was now being examined.

Detective Sergeant Andy Garrett, leading the inquiry, said: "The incident involved a male in a small green hatchback car who pulled up to the petrol station but had not stopped at any of the pumps.

"He pulled up at the pay kiosk and without leaving his vehicle he pulled out a handgun to the staff.

"He demanded money but then drove away when staff refused to hand anything over."

Mr Garrett said the man had a black beard and a black woolly beanie hat on .

He added: "There were two female members of staff at the station at the time of the offence - they are unharmed but very shaken.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have seen a green hatchback car in the area before the incident or a man matching the description to contact police."

Witnesses said the garage was sealed off last night and officers stood guard.

One eye witness, who did not want to be named, said officers were turning customers away from the station.

The petrol station was open again today.

Any witnesses should contact Telford CID on 0300 333 3000.