A SHOPKEEPER was kept awake with fear after a knife-wielding robber threatened to kill her during three minutes of terror.

On Saturday, November 25, a masked assailant stormed into Parkash Newsagents on Clarence Street in Paisley and demanded that Sukhwinder Kaur Anttal hand over all the money.

Mrs Anttal, 35, said: "I was very scared. I was shocked and horrified. He said 'give me the money or else I'll kill you'."

As the bladed suspect jumped over the counter, Mrs Anttal hit the emergency button and then dashed outside to safety.

She said: "I ran out, shouting 'help me'."

A passing member of the public came to her aid and called the police.

Mrs Anttal then bravely returned inside the shop to grab her mobile phone to alert her husband, Pavneet Singh Anttal.

Mr Anttal, 42, who was on his way back from the cash and carry, told his wife to get somewhere safe.

He said: "Life is precious. I told her to get out the shop and get to safety."

The incident happened at around 12.20pm. Within the space of three minutes, the robber had smashed the till open and made off down Clarence Street towards Ladyburn Street with the stolen money and cigarettes. The police arrived on the scene quickly after.

Mr and Mrs Anttal could not get to sleep that night due to the shock and fear felt.

The couple, from Bishopbriggs, took over the newsagents in September.

Mr Antall said: "Nothing like this has happened before. We've got no idea who could have done it. The police have helped a lot though."

The suspect is described as white, approximately 25 to 50-years-old, and around 5ft 7-8in. He was wearing a bottle-green kagoule type jacket, which had a distinctive white zip, with the hood up and his face covered. He was also wearing blue jogging bottoms, industrial type gloves and black trainers which had a thick white sole.

Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries within the vicinity and will be checking CCTV for any additional investigative information.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Postans from Paisley CID said: “This was a terrifying robbery which has left a women badly shaken. It is vital that we find the person responsible.

"Thankfully no person was injured during this frightening incident but the area was busy with pedestrians and I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident to contact us.

"It may be that the suspect was loitering outside the shop on Clarence Street before committing the crime or someone could have seen him run off from the shop.

"At the time, this may not have seemed unusual or suspicious but in light of a local shop being targeted in a robbery, your information could prove vital.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Paisley Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 1788 of Saturday, November 25. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.