DETECTIVES said today a masked man who raided a York off-licence with a meat cleaver could work as a domestic repair man or in a similar occupation.

A shocked staff member at Wine Cellar, in Hull Road, was confronted by a man wearing a blue boiler suit and carrying a large knife on Monday evening.

Police said he was seen escaping in a small white van with black and red writing on the side that was parked in nearby Thief Lane. He drove away towards the city centre.

Detective Sergeant Alan Rowan, who is leading the inquiry, said it was "possible" that the clothes and vehicle may have been related to the robber's work.

But he said he may have worn the overalls to cover his tracks and prevent forensic evidence from being left at the scene.

He said: "We are urging anyone who saw this man, his vehicle, or anything suspicious in this part of Hull Road on Monday, between 7pm and 8pm, to contact us urgently.

"We have several lines of inquiry regarding the identity of the man and his van. If anyone else can help they should call 0845 60 60 24 7 and ask to speak to me."

The Evening Press reported yesterday how the man, who was described as having a bald or shaven head, about 6ft tall with his face covered by a scarf, entered the shop at about 7.20pm.

He demanded threatened a young woman member of staff, believed to be aged in her 20s, who handed over a small amount of cash.

Police said the man then left the store and no struggle took place.

Detective Sgt Rowan said the victim was not injured, but was "badly shaken" by the confrontation.

He said CCTV footage from the shop had been taken away for examination and that the woman was expected to return to work shortly.

He said that a burglary had taken place at the store several weeks ago, in which the front door was badly damaged, but the two incidents were not thought to be connected.

Residents who live near the store, located in a parade of shops near the Kwik Save supermarket, expressed their shock at the attack.

One, who asked not be named, said: "I'm pleased the staff member was OK. There have been a few problems at the shop recently. They haven't replaced the door from the burglary yet."

Updated: 10:06 Wednesday, April 20, 2005