Police appeal after armed robbery

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Police are appealing for information about an armed robbery at a shop in Cardiff.

Armed police were called to Costcutters on North Road near the Gabalfa flyover after the incident, which happened at about 0830 BST on Saturday.

A man armed with what appeared to be a long black handgun demanded money from the shopkeeper, who is in his 20s.

The suspect, who is described as being in his 30s, left the shop with the money and ran towards the city centre.

He fled with an accomplice who had been standing outside the shop while the robbery took place.

Armed police officers were deployed as a precaution to ensure the safety of the public and the force helicopter was used in a search of the surrounding area.

South Wales Police are continuing to search the area, conduct house-to-house enquiries and study CCTV footage.

There were no customers in the shop at the time and we believe the second male waited outside the shop where he acted as a look-out Det Sgt Stuart Wales

Det Sgt Stuart Wales, from Cathays CID, said: "The shopkeeper was not injured but as you would expect he is extremely shaken up by what has happened and he is being supported by suitably trained officers from South Wales Police.

"There were no customers in the shop at the time and we believe the second male waited outside the shop where he acted as a look-out.

"The man who went inside the shop was wearing quite distinctive clothing and would ask for anyone who recognises him from the description to contact us.

"Both men ran in the direction of the city centre and may have crossed North Road into the Mynachdy estate.

"We would appeal for anyone who saw these men or has any other information to contact us as soon as possible.

"I wish to reassure the community that a full investigation is underway and that an incident room has been set up at Cathays Police Station and we are doing all we can to identify and arrest those responsible."

Golden eyebrows

The man with the firearm who entered the shop is described as white, approximately 25 to 30, 6ft (1.8m) tall, of slim build and with a slim face and golden eyebrows.

He was possibly wearing a baseball cap underneath a grey hooded top which had a darker grey hood than the rest of the garment. The hood was worn over the head.

He was also wearing grey jogging trousers which had dark stripes down the outside of the legs, a black scarf over his face, white gloves and white trainers.

The man who stood outside the shop is described as shorter and heavier than the first man, wearing a grey hooded top that was worn over the head.

Anyone who saw these men or has any other information is asked to contact the Incident Room at Cathays CID on 029 2052 7267 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.