AN ELDERLY shop owner was confronted by a knifepoint raider at her Bridport store.

Police said a man armed with a knife went into St Swithun’s Stores in North Allington on Saturday afternoon.

He pushed the elderly owner and stole packets of cigarettes.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following the raid which happened about 4.45pm.

North Allington is on the B3162 which runs from West Street in Bridport up to the Allington area and on towards Salwayash.

The store, an independent grocery and newsagent, is located in a residential area on the corner of North Allington and Fulbrooks Lane.

Town councillor Geoff Ackerman expressed his shock after hearing about the robbery.

“It’s totally out of character for Bridport,” he said.

“I know the elderly lady there. She has been there for quite a while and runs a good little store. This must have been a very frightening experience for her.”

Mr Ackerman added: “Please get in touch with the police if you know anything or saw anyone suspicious hanging around.”

The robber is described as a white man aged about 20 years of age, of very slim build, about 5ft 1ins to 5ft 2ins tall.

He was wearing a hooded top and carrying a white cloth bag over his shoulder.

Detective Constable Daniel Rowan of Weymouth CID said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have information about this incident or saw anyone fitting the description in the area at the time to contact me in confidence.”

Contact Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident 14-329 or alternatively call Crime-stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.