POLICE have launched an appeal after a man threatened staff and nicked cigarettes from a petrol station in Mauchline. 

The robbery happened in the early hours of this morning at the Thames Petrol Station on Earl Grey Street. 

A man entered the station and made off with £550 worth of cigarettes. 

Officers are now on the hunt for suspect described as a white male, around 5ft 6'' and spoke with a local accent. 

The man was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up, a blue check scarf which was pulled up leaving only his eyes visible, a black jacket, blue jeans and white trainers..

Detective Constable Robert Blackley, said: “We are appealing for anyone with information that might be able to assist with our enquiries to contact us.”

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 quoting incident 0438 of 21 February. Alternatively information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by contacting 0800 555111.