A SHOP worker was left shocked after being held up at knifepoint by a balaclava wearing thug.

The 47-year-old woman was working in the Day2Day Convenience Store on Highpark Avenue, New Cumnock, when an armed man entered the shop and threatened her.

He then made off in an unknown direction with a three-figure sum of money.

The woman was left in a state of shock, but physically unharmed as a result of the incident.

The man is described as having a medium to large build.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a balaclava and gloves with dark coloured trousers, which looked baggy and loose fitting, with black boots.

He was also wearing a distinctive three-quarter length green or olive khaki overcoat, which is described as being a wax jacket.

Officers are carrying out enquiries at the around the shop and are assessing and gathering CCTV as part of their investigation.

Detective Constable David Lawson from Kilmarnock CID said: “Although unharmed, this incident really shocked the woman who was working in the shop.

"As a community and as police officers, we will not tolerate people feeling afraid in the places where they live and work.

“We are still to determine the direction the suspect took when he left the shop but a dedicated team are working on tracing this man and holding him to account for his actions.

“I would ask anyone who seen a man behaving suspiciously around the shop at the time of the incident, or may have seen a man matching that description by the clothes he was wearing, to please contact officers at Kilmarnock police office.”

Anyone with information is asked to call officers at Kilmarnock Police Office via 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.