A masked gang threatened a shop worker with an axe and knives during a robbery in South Lanarkshire.

The three men targeted the Scotmid on Station Road, Law, at around 9.15pm on Thursday.

They escaped with more than £100 in cash, tobacco and alcohol.

The men ran from the store in the direction of Galbraith Crescent and Muir Street before speeding off in a dark vehicle.

Detective constable Iain Hughes urged anyone who saw three men near the shop before the robbery or running away afterwards to come forward.

He said: "Thankfully there was no one injured during this incident, however, it is vital that we catch the culprits before they get a chance to strike again and cause more fear and alarm to those people who are just going about their daily work.

"We are aware that there has been a recent increase in serious incidents in this area and we are looking at them both individually and collectively to establish any connection between the crimes.

"We are also increasing our uniform presence within the local area with additional patrols to help reduce any fear of crime."

The first man is white, 5ft 8in to 6ft and of medium build. He was wearing a light grey coloured North Face tracksuit with the hood up, a grey coloured scarf over his face and black trainers.

One of his accomplices is white, 5ft 8in to 6ft and of medium build. He was dressed in black, hooded and had a black scarf over his face.

The third man is white, 5ft 8in to 6ft and of medium build. He was also wearing dark clothing and carrying a black Nike rucksack with a turquoise front pocket.

Police said the shop assistant was uninjured but left very distressed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Wishaw on 101 quoting incident number 3224 of 4 January 2018 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.