A manhunt is under way after a robber brandished a knife at an Indian restaurant owner.

The incident happened outside the Commercial Hotel in Insch, Aberdeenshire.

The owner of Cafe Mint, an Indian restaurant adjoined to the hotel, was threatened by the knife-wielding thief shortly after 7pm on Thursday.

It is understood the man attempted to steal the owner's jewellery before fleeing the scene, sparking a huge a manhunt in the village.

The man is described as around 6ft, with short brown hair and was wearing a cap.

Witnesses spoke of seeing police in riot vans around the village.

Detective sergeant John Lumsden said: "This appears to have been an isolated incident and officers are following a positive line of inquiry.

"Although he was not injured it has naturally been upsetting for the man involved."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101.