Police are appealing for help from the public as they hunt for an armed robber who raided an electrical store in Forres High Street on Friday.
The Scottish and Southern Energy store was the target at around 2.50pm on Friday afternoon when a man wearing a dark hat and with his face covered by a scarf branded a weapon at a female shop assistant.
Following the raid the man ran off down Caroline Street. The type of weapon being used in the incident has not been identified by police.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Wilson is in the investigating officer. He said: “The town centre was busy at the time and people may have seen this man loitering in the area.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw him before or after the crime or anyone who has specific information about the suspect to contact the police as soon as possible.”
The suspect has been described as 5ft 7in in height and of stocky build with dark coloured eyes. He spoke with a Scottish accent.
He was wearing a dark blue or grey jacket with a light-coloured collar, black trousers and black shoes.
A spokesman for Scottish and Southern Energy said: “The safety and welfare of our staff is paramount and we are helping Police Scotland with their enquires.”
Sergeant Wilson moved to reassure the public over the robbery, saying: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our area and I would like to reassure the local community that we are doing everything possible to trace the suspect.”
Anyone who has information is asked to contact the police on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.