Knowle Garage robbers threaten woman with meat cleaver
Two armed robbers who threatened a petrol station attendant with a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife are being sought by police.
The robbery, at Knowle Garage in Braunton, Devon, happened about 20:00 GMT on Saturday.
The balaclava-wearing robbers swung the meat cleaver at the female employee before stealing £50 from the till.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the woman was traumatised but physically unhurt during the robbery.
'Aggressive and threatening'
Det Sgt Paul McWhinnie said it was a "despicable" crime and has appealed for anyone with information to contact police.
"The offenders behaved in a very aggressive and threatening manner, swinging the meat cleaver towards the female member of staff and subjecting her to a very traumatic incident," he said.
A Kitchen Devil kitchen knife with a 6in blade (16cm) was left at the scene.
One of the robbers wore a grey hooded top, while the other was in black, or very dark clothing and dark trainers. Both wore black balaclavas which covered their faces.
"We would like to hear from any shopkeepers who believe they may have sold the meat cleaver and Kitchen Devil knife or from anyone who is now missing these items and who suspect a family member or someone they know may be involved in this despicable crime," Det Sgt McWhinnie said.
"We are also interested in hearing from anyone who believes they may have seen these offenders approaching or leaving the garage and in particular we would like to establish their method of travel to and from the scene."