POLICE are today hunting a knife-wielding robber who stole cash and tobacco from an Ipswich off licence.

POLICE are today hunting a knife-wielding robber who stole cash and tobacco from an Ipswich off licence.

The hooded man burst into The Local in Meredith Road and threatened a member of staff, forcing them to hand over nearly �100 and five pouches of tobacco.

The robber put his ill-gotten gains into a Local carrier bag and made off on foot along a nearby alleyway leading behind the shops.

Detectives quizzed people around the scene of the crime, which happened at around 8.30pm yesterday.

It is thought the member of staff had been working alone and no-one was hurt in the incident.

Inspector Chris Wolton, of Suffolk police, said: “At approximately 8.30pm this evening a male offender entered The Local at Meredith Road, Ipswich armed with a knife and stole approximately �80-90 of cash from the shop.”

The robber is described as white, aged in his late teens to early 30s, of very thin and slight build, around 5ft 8ins - 5ft 10ins with dark hair.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a grey hooded top/ jacket, very dark coloured denim jeans, and wore a black woollen scarf around his face.

Today early risers in the street were shocked to hear about the raid.

A shopper, who would give his name only as James, of Defoe Road, said: “It must have been very worrying for the member of staff especially if they were young.

“An older person might be more controlled about the situation. You hear of robberies and car break-ins quite often around here.”

A member of staff at the Martin's newsagent (opposite The Local) added: “It is a sign of the times.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information about it, is asked to contact Ipswich CID on 01473 613500.