AN armed robber terrorised staff at a Widnes petrol station today in an early morning raid.

A man brandishing a large knife burst into the Esso Petrol Station in Moor Lane, Widnes at around 3.25am.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: β€œHe walked towards the counter and threatened two members of staff, demanding that they handed over money from the till.”

After stealing the cash, he fled through the main entrance onto Moor Lane.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses.

The offender is described as a white man, in his early 20s, of slim build and approximately 5ft 5 inches tall.

He was wearing a black North Face hooded jacket, with white branding, dark Adidas tracksuit bottoms and black shoes.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 4060 of 6/7/2015.

Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.