A knife-wielding robber who targeted a McDonald's restaurant is being hunted by police.

The fast food outlet the Showcase Leisure Park in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, was held up in the early hours of Thursday by a masked man who pointed a knife at staff.

He ran off in the general direction of Hollywood Bowl and Viewfield Road.

Officers found the McDonald's till in waste ground near to Sharp Avenue at 4.50am after receiving reports of people acting suspiciously.

A police spokesman said: "At around 2.19am, a man entered the restaurant and presented a knife to the female staff members.

"Whilst making continuous threats he made his way behind the counter and demanded cash from staff before making off with the till."

Detective sergeant David Lamont, of Coatbridge CID, said: "This was a particularly terrifying incident for staff and customers involved.

"Thankfully no one was injured, however, the staff have all been left extremely distressed."

The suspect police are trying to trace is described as around 6ft, of medium build, and was wearing a checked cream or brown scarf to conceal his face during the crime.

At the time of the incident he was also wearing dark trainers with white rims, grey jogging bottoms, and a grey hooded top with black jacket on top.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident or who saw anyone in the Sharp Avenue area of Kirkwood at that time is being asked to contact Coatbridge CID on 101.