A scene guard is in place and part of a shopping centre is cordoned off as Hamilton Police investigate the armed robbery of a fast food restaurant in the north of the City overnight.
Detective Sergeant Daryl Smith of the Hamilton CIB said staff at the Burger King restaurant in Chartwell's Lynden Court were cleaning up for the night when a worker was confronted by two men outside the rear of the premises.
"The investigation is in its formative stages at present but it appears the male worker has been taking rubbish out when he was jumped by two men, wearing dark clothes and scarves or balaclavas over their faces, and forced to take them into the back of the store.
"It is around this time the worker and his supervisor and two work colleagues have realised one of the offenders was armed with a firearm. The victims have complied with the robbers demands and the pair fled the store on foot with an undisclosed sum of cash."
Responding Police established cordons around surrounding streets and a Police Dog tracked the offenders for a distance before the scent was lost.
Mr Smith said investigators haven't ruled out the offenders may have had a car parked somewhere nearby to aid their escape.
"The area around the restaurant remains cordoned off and a scene examination will commence this morning. Part of this examination will include what, if any, CCTV footage is available from security cameras in the area.
"While this is underway Police would like to speak to anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour around the Burger King, Lynden Court or Westfield Chartwell shopping centre areas between 11-11.45pm."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mr Smith at the Hamilton Central Police station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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