Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a robbery at Pets at Home in Southport last Thursday (September 3).

At just before 6.30am a man, dressed in black, wearing a balaclava and carrying a large laptop-type holdall, approached the rear of the store, on Ocean Plaza Retail Park, Marine Parade, and knocked on the door.

A female member of staff, believing it to be a delivery driver, opened the door to be confronted by the man brandishing a knife.

A male member of staff arrived and the masked man escorted him into an office area. The offender then asked the member of staff to open the safe.

The offender took a large quantity of cash from the safe and left the store through the rear door still carrying the knife and holdall.

It is believed he left the area in the direction of the Marine Lake towards one of the bridges.

Enquiries are ongoing and CCTV opportunities are being explored.

Detective Sergeant Sue Hinds said: “Although this incident occurred early in the morning people may have been in the vicinity of the store, possibly on their way to or from work, and seen the man either arriving or leaving the scene.

“We know he was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava and carrying a laptop-type bag and spoke with a local accent.

“We believe that following the robbery he may have spoken to someone on the bridge and we would ask that person to come forward.

“The scene has been forensically examined and CCTV from the scene and surrounding area is being examined.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3833 or the Crimestoppers line, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.