A YORK store manager was tied up and robbed at knifepoint in Acomb.

The man, who has asked not to be named, was working as a relief manager at C&J Home Stores, in Front Street, when the attack occurred shortly after closing time.

Hearing a knock at the back door of the shop the manager thought a member of staff had returned to the shop to collect something.

But when he opened the door he was confronted with a knife-wielding robber, who spun him round and shoved him back inside.

Pressing a knife, with a six-inch-long blade, into his ribs, the robber tied him to a chair before making off with the day's takings from the safe. It was not known how much money had been stolen.

Shortly after the robbery the manager freed himself and raised the alarm.

Colin Warner, who owns the shop, said the robbery had been a cowardly attack on a member of staff. He has appealed to the public to help police track him down.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: "This was a frightening attack on a man going about his everyday business.

"Although he may not have been physically harmed in the attack he will have suffered mental trauma.

"We would appeal to anyone who may have information about this attack to come forward and help us with our inquiries."

The robber is described as being white, 5ft 10in tall and in his late 40s.

He is of stocky build and was wearing a three-quarter-length anorak and a navy blue, woolly hat and glasses.

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