A Bargain Booze delivery van driver was threatened by a gang of three hooded robbers who escaped with a haul of cigarettes.
The dramatic scenes happened outside the convenience store in Page Moss this morning.
Police say the victim was cornered by three men on foot moments after pulling up outside the store in Page Moss Lane.
The men, all wearing dark clothing, hats, hoodies, black trainers and black coats, then demanded the contents of the van.
The robbers helped themselves to what police termed "a large quantity of cigarettes and tobacco" during the brazen raid which happened around 9.15am.
A passenger was in the van during the terrifying robbery.
The men fled towards Huyton Village and were seen getting into a car, parked nearby on Dinas Lane.
Police are scouring CCTV from neighbouring shops as part of their bid to catch the men.
Detective Inspector Steve Ball said: "Luckily the driver or passenger of the delivery van were not injured but have been left shaken by the events.
"These offenders have been extremely brazen to target this vehicle in broad daylight and therefore it is crucial to find those responsible and prevent them from targeting any other businesses."
He added: "We are looking at CCTV from neighbouring shops and ask anyone that saw the incident to get in touch @MerPolCC quoting 245 of 5th July."
