A knife-wielding robber terrorised staff at a quiet Co-op store then fled with cash and cigarettes.

But the hooded suspect was caught on CCTV and police have now released his image and an appeal for information on the bespectacled raider.

The robbery happened at 10.19pm on Sunday when a man in his late 20s or early 30s walked into the Co-op convenience store in the Staithes parade of shops off Baildon Road, Baildon.

He then menaced staff with a knife and demanded they hand over money.

The suspect then leaned over and grabbed some coins from the till, before demanding cigarettes.

He fled the store, which is opposite the junction with Station Road, and turned right into Baildon Road.

The staff member was unhurt.

Diana Cohen, 73, a retired chiropodist, lives nearby and said she was shocked to learn of the violent raid.

“The Co-op is a wonderful shop because it’s so handy and open all the time,” she said.

“I think they only close on Christmas and New Year’s Days.

“And the staff who work there are all so friendly, I feel really sorry for them. You don’t expect something like this in Baildon.”

Councillor Debbie Davies (Con, Baildon) regularly uses the popular store and said it was a worrying incident.

She said: “When something like this happens it must be so frightening for the workers and you have to be thankful nobody was injured.

“I hope anyone who knows anything will contact the police immediately.”

A spokesman for The Co-operative Food said: “On Sunday, January 26, at around 10.20pm, an armed man entered our store at The Staithes in Baildon.

“The man threatened staff and stole a quantity of cash and cigarettes.

“The members of staff were unhurt, but very shaken by the incident. CCTV footage has been given to the police, who are investigating.

“As with any incident such as this, we would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The suspect is believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s, about 6ft tall and was wearing a dark blue fleece jacket with a cream hooded top and had a scarf across his face. He was also wearing glasses and spoke with a local accent.”

He urged witnesses or those with any information to contact Bradford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.