A MAN threatened a staff member at a petrol station and stole cash in a robbery in the city's West End. 

The man entered the petrol station on Crow Road at around 5.50am this morning before threatening the 52-year-old female member of staff and demanding money. 

He made off with a three-figure sum of cash. 

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The woman was not injured but was distressed by the incident. 

Police say they believe the suspect may have been watching the premises for a short period of time before the robbery and officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch. 

Cops are carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish who is responsible. 

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Police Constable Scott Kelly, from the Community Investigation Unit, said: "Fortunately the staff member was not injured, but this was a particularly distressing incident for her.

"If you were in the area around the time of the robbery, either before or after, and witnessed anything suspicious or recognise the description of the man, please get in touch. 

"Similarly, if you have dash-cam footage that may help with our investigation then please contact us.

"Anyone who can help is asked to get in touch via 101, quoting incident number 0414 of Tuesday, September 6, 2022 or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The suspect is described as a white male, aged in his 50s with a thin build and a scruffy short grey beard. 

He was wearing a light-coloured top, dark trousers and a baseball cap.