A Dundee shopkeeper feared for his life after a knife-wielding robber burst into his shop and threatened to kill him.
Nadeem Rao, 46, owner of Downfield’s Mini Market on Teviotdale Avenue, was targeted on Tuesday night just after 8pm.
The 46-year-old, who insists that he has never experienced anything like it during his time in Downfield, revealed that at first he had he thought that the man was joking when he demanded money.
It was not until the suspected robber came towards him brandishing a knife and threatened to kill him that Mr Rao began to realise the seriousness of the situation.
He explained: “The man came in to the shop wearing a grey balaclava to hide his face.
“He opened the counter door, threw the bag on the floor and said: ‘Put all your money in the bag.’ I thought he was joking. I said: ‘Go away!’ But then he waved the knife and came forward. I then realised that he had the knife in his hand and I told him I would give him the money.
“I started taking the money out and putting it in the bag and he said: ‘Hurry up or I will kill you.’
“The knife he had in his hand was really big.
“He was not calm, but he wasn’t overly aggressive either. But when he came forward and said he would kill me, I realised he might attack me.
“It was very shocking. This is the first time something like this has happened here, this is a relatively safe area.
“He took about roughly £500. I hope something like this won’t happen again.”
Police officers are now carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area and are reviewing CCTV footage.
A spokesman for Tayside Police last night confirmed also that the force are now hunting for a teenage suspect who is believed to have been involved in the robbery.
“The suspect is described as aged between 17 and 18 years of age, five feet nine inches tall, wearing a dark hooded top, grey hooded jogging bottoms, a grey hat and blue trainers,” said the spokesman.
“Police Scotland would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or who has information that could assist, to call 101 or speak to any officers.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”