A masked raider wielding a knife burst into a travel agents and demanded staff hand over cash as shocked customers looked on.
Police raced to Barrhead Travel on Ayr Road in Newton Mearns in East Renfrewshire at around 1pm on Friday afternoon after reports of an armed robbery.
An unidentified man made off with a five-figure sum of cash after he brandished a knife at terrified staff.
The man then made off in a southerly direction as he fled the scene in a silver vehicle.
Police Scotland are appealing for information as they attempt to trace the man responsible for the horrifying ordeal.
The man has been described by officers as being white, 6ft 2in tall of slim build.
He was wearing a white masking covering his face and wearing a black beanie style hat, light coloured long sleeved top, navy blue bottoms and white shoes at the time of the incident.
Detective Constable Mark Milroy of Glasgow CID said: “Nobody was injured but this was a frightening experience for staff and customers alike.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing to identify the man responsible, including reviewing CCTV from the area.
"Anyone who believes they may have information which could help identify the man or who was in the area at the time of the robbery is urged to contact police as soon as they can.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland added: “Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 1534 of January 17 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
