AN armed raider has robbed the Shell Garage on Hallwood Link Road.

He pulled up with two companions in a navy blue Ford Fiesta and walked to the cashier's hatch.

The man produced the gun and held it towards the cashier.

The cashier, aged in his 20s, passed through phone cards and cigarettes and the robber made his escape.

Det Con Christine Stubbs of Runcorn CID, said: "It's very rare that we get firearms' incidents here.

"We don't know at the moment if it was a replica gun, but there is potential for a serious incident if this is a real firearm.

"The cashier was understandably very shocked by the incident."

The incident took place at 23:40 on Sunday, August 18.

The robber was aged approximately 25, around 5ft 10ins tall, of broad build with black hair, a moustache and a dark coloured tracksuit.

The Ford Fiesta used was the old style model, possibly B, C or D registration.

Det Con Stubbs added: "We are making a strong appeal for information about this incident.

"We are especially appealing for a female witness in a red Ford Escort who may not have realised that a robbery was taking place.

"Anyone with any information about the incident should contact me on 01244-613933.