A man armed with a handgun threatened a terrified chemist and demanded drugs during a robbery at his Potters Bar store.

The man, who police say has a distinctive bloodshot eye, entered the Welfare Chemist in Southgate Road at midday on Tuesday and bought some sleeping tablets.

As the chemist opened the till, the man produced a handgun and demanded drugs, which he was given before he ran off.

He is described as mixed race, aged 25 to 30, of slim build and approximately 5ft 8ins tall.

He is believed to have brown eyes, one of which is bloodshot, and was wearing a black leather hooded jacket, black trousers and a black scarf with white stripes.

Detective Constable Laura Chillingworth, from Borehamwood Police Station, said: “Fortunately no one was injured during this incident, although it did leave the member of staff very shaken.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or recognises the man described should contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.