A MAN threatened staff with a hammer during a robbery at a Shaftesbury service station – before making off with a packet of tobacco.

The incident unfolded at around 5.25am on Saturday, February 4, at the Ivy Cross services.

Dorset Police said a man entered the service station and threatened a member of staff with a hammer before stealing a pack of tobacco and leaving the store.

The offender was described as wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded coat and grey work-like trousers with black caps on the knees.

PC Mark Eastgate, of Dorset Police, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to the incident or anyone who might have seen the man described to please come forward.

“I would also urge motorists, who were driving in the area at the relevant time and have dashcam fitted, to please review their footage to see if they have captured anything that might assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via .www.dorset.police.uk/contact or on 101, quoting incident number 55230018348.