Police investigating a robbery at a petrol station in Cowplain, Hampshire, have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to.

Just after 2am on Friday, June 10, a man entered the Esso petrol station on London Road and threatened a member of staff before pushing him into the checkout area.

He then demanded the staff member open the till. He took £169 in cash from the till and then opened the cigarette cabinet and took numerous packets of cigarettes and tobacco before leaving the store and making off on a bicycle.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, and there was white paint on the hood. He was also wearing black trousers, grey trainers, grey gloves and had a black bag around his shoulders. He spoke with a local accent

Detective constable Peter Eamer, of Hampshire Police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images to come forward and speak to us. Do you know anyone with a hooded top like this, with paint on the hood?

“I would also like to speak to anyone who might have recently been offered cigarettes or tobacco for sale who thinks they might be linked to this incident.

"The member of staff has been left very shaken by this incident. Help us find the man responsible – if you have any information, please get in touch.”