A CCTV image of the terrifying moment when a raider pointed a shotgun at a shocked cashier during a store robbery in Bradford has been published.

An innocent shopper, only feet away, stares in horror as the masked robber aims the weapon at the assistant at point-blank range and demands cash.

Moments later the woman’s colleague was forced at knifepoint to hand over a large amount of money from the till.

Before fleeing, one of the robbers fired two shots into the ceiling of the shop, causing damage and leaving staff and customers terrified.

Two suspects, wearing balaclava masks and dark clothing, burst into the Worldwide Foods Al Halal supermarket, in Great Horton Road, at about 6.45pm last Saturday.

One man pointed the gun at the first cashier and demanded cash, but she was unable to open the till. The second suspect then threatened another cashier with a knife.

The raiders, believed to be Asian, fled with hundreds of pounds in cash.

Detective Inspector Ian Bryar, of Bradford South CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have taken the step of releasing this image in the hope it will bring someone forward who holds that vital piece of information.

“Although this was an isolated incident, and thankfully no-one was injured, the CCTV demonstrates just how serious an offence this was.

“As we can see in the image, both men were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, but witnesses at the scene believe they were Asian.

“From our initial inquiries, we know that they left in a red Toyota Hilux 4x4, being driven by an accomplice.

“I am particularly interested in the movements of this vehicle, or its occupants, and would call on anyone who saw it before, during or after this incident, to get in touch.

“The vehicle was found burned out near Scholemoor Cemetery, where the suspects are thought to have left in another vehicle. We are keen to hear from anyone who saw the second vehicle and knows of its whereabouts.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.