A KNIFE-WIELDING robber stole more than £500 in a late-night armed raid.
The thief entered Ray Wine off-licence, in Church Road, Ashford, at around 9.30pm on Tuesday and threatened the lone shop assistant, forcing them to open the till and hand over more than £500.
The suspect, who is described as being Asian or of mixed race, in his early 20s, around 6ft tall and of slim build, then left the shop leaving the assistant unharmed. It is believed he may have fled the scene on a bike or in a vehicle parked nearby.
Surrey Police say the robber was wearing a black Adidas hooded top with three white stripes down each side, grey track suit bottoms with a black stripe down either side, black gloves, a black and white striped scarf across his face and wearing two-tone colour trainers with a light colour on the toe.
Shortly after the suspect left, a woman entered the store saying that she had just found two sets of keys outside on the ground and believed someone must have recently dropped them.
Officers believe the woman, who is described as white, 5ft 3ins tall, in her early 50's, with blonde short hair and wearing a golden coloured tracksuit, could hold vital information in their investigation.
Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jon Brushneen said: "In this instance the shop assistant was unharmed, but the outcome could have been much worse.
"I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have been in the vicinity last evening and may have seen a man acting suspiciously or matching this description to contact us as a matter of urgency.
"We are also very keen to speak to the woman who handed in the keys and ask her to contact officers on 101 as we believe she may have useful information that could prove vital in our investigation."
He added: "Surrey Police will not tolerate violence in our communities and local people must be allowed to go about their everyday business without fear of such crime."
Call Surrey Police on 101 with information quoting reference 45140045452. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
