Brave shop staff grappled with a knife-wielding robber who jumped over the counter at a Bradford petrol station.

The suspect and an accomplice went into the kiosk, where a woman member of staff was serving, at the Tesco's garage in Great Horton Road at 10.30pm on Thursday.

One of the men leaped over the counter and grabbed some cigarettes while the accomplice shouted encouragement from the doorway.

A male member of staff came out of the back office and both employees struggled with the man. He managed to break free, wrenched the till from the counter and both men fled the premises.

As they left, the staff noticed the man with the till was carrying a silver ten-inch-long knife. Police found a knife near to the scene but do not know if it was the one used in the robbery.

The staff, and a member of public who was in the shop at the time, were unhurt but were left shocked and shaken.

Detective Inspector Noel Devine, of Bradford North CID, said this type of offending did not happen very often.

But he added: "These are potentially dangerous offenders who are willing to carry knives. On this occasion they haven't been used, but we don't know what would happen in the future.

"We appeal to the public to assist in catching these men. If anyone has any knowledge of the offence, or were in the area at the time, we would like to hear from them."

The man with the knife was white, aged 17 to 19, and slim, and was wearing dark trousers and a black jacket with a hood or baseball cap. The second man was white, 5ft 7ins, of medium build, and was wearing a grey jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford North CID, via the help desk, on (01274) 376259, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.