A MASKED raider threatened to murder a Radcliffe chip shop owner before fleeing with the day's takings and his car.

John Dixon (50) of Frydays on The Piazza experienced the terrifying ordeal at 8pm on Thursday (Nov 1).

"I didn't see the knife at first," said Mr Dixon, "but then he forced me back into the shop at knifepoint and threatened to stab me. He made me lie face down on the floor while he went through the tills."

When the robber demanded his car keys, Mr Dixon at first refused. But the knife was then pressed into his back and the raider threatened to kill him.

"I waited until I heard him drive off and then I phoned the police," said Mr Dixon.

"I was obviously a bit shaken up and I wouldn't like to go through it again. Unfortunately these things do happen and I'm now trying to treat it as a bad memory."

The car, a Toyota Avensis, is still missing. Police are appealing for witnesses to help catch the thief, who is described as white, wearing a hooded top and dark jacket.

Call detectives on 856 8248 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.