A SHOPWORKER was threatened at knifepoint during a robbery just days after a similar incident in Poole.

A masked man entered the Co-Op store in Beaufoy Close, Shaftesbury with a knife at around 6.10am. He threatened and assaulted a member of staff and then made off with some cash.

The victim suffered minor injuries during the robbery but did not require hospital treatment.

Detectives have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

It comes after a similar incident in Broadstone on Monday. Detectives are keeping an open mind, said a police spokesperson.

Detective Sergeant Tom Hall, of Weymouth CID, said: “This must have been a very distressing incident for the member of staff involved and I can assure members of the public that a full investigation has been launched to identify the man responsible."

He added there would be an increased police presence in the area while the robbery is investigated, and members of the local neighbourhood policing team could be approached with any community concerns.

Anyone with information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the offence, is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180168658. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.