A masked man wielding an axe held up a shop in Port Glasgow this morning.

The armed robbery happened around 6.25am when a man ran into the U Save shop in Brown Street and threatened a staff member with the weapon before fleeing with an unknown amount of cash.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff of Greenock CID is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

DI Wagstaff said: "A male ran into the newsagents and presented an axe.

"The staff member handed over an unknown amount of money and the man ran off in the direction of Highholm Street.

"The male was wearing a block coloured hoodie and a mask with flames on it."

According to the Greenock Telegraph, the incident sparked a major police response with three police cars rushing to the scene.

If you have any information about the robbery call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.