A KNIFE-WIELDING robber stole a designer handbag during a raid at a Chinese takeaway in Runcorn.

Police are hunting the culprit who targeted Palace Chinese Takeaway on Lapwing Grove on Sunday at 10.30pm.

Police say the man entered the shop via the back of the building, off Stone Barn Lane, and threatened staff with a knife and a hammer.

He stole a Michael Kors handbag belonging to a member of staff, which contained a large quantity of cash, before leaving the takeaway through the same entrance.

The suspect is described as white, of medium build, 6ins with a large nose and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a waist-length light brown or cream coat with buttons at the front and black tracksuit bottoms.

DC Daryl Gavin said: “I would urge anyone who may have been the in the area, or seen someone matching the description to get in touch. The offender may have been accompanied by someone else during the incident but at this stage we do not have any further information about this person.

“The victim was not injured during their ordeal but they have been left extremely shaken by what happened and are devastated at the loss of a large sum of money."

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference number IML 138717 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.