Detectives are hunting two robbers who forced their way into a shop as a woman was closing up.

The masked men struck at a general store on Sandvale Place, Shotts, Lanarkshire around 10.15pm on Thursday.

Police said they threatened the 41 year-old woman before forcing their way in.

They escaped via the back door with a four-figure cash sum after being disturbed a witness who heard a noise.

Both men were last seen running along Main Street and Station Road.

Detective Constable Jacqui McCann, of Wishaw CID, said: "This robbery has left a woman, who was simply getting ready to go home from her work, devastated and shaken.

"We now know the rough direction that the two suspects made off in after the incident, and also believe there was a silver car in the area at the time although it is unknown if it is connected.

"We would appeal to anyone who may have seen anything or have any information that can help us trace these two men to come forward and contact us."

The suspects were both dressed in black and wearing balaclavas with their hoods up.

One was wearing gloves and had white trainers on.

Officers have been checking CCTV and conducting door to door enquiries to try and trace them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wishaw CID via 101, quoting incident number 3498 of Thursday December 28 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.