Terrified manager describes moment knife wielding masked man robs beauty salon in Rodley

It happened at the family-run Spa Adelena, on Rodley Town Street, at 3.53pm on Tuesday.

Three staff members, aged between 19 and 20, were working in the salon when the knife-wielding man demanded them to handover the salon's cash.

Manager Imogen Hodson, 20, said: "He entered the salon with a knife demanding the till.

"I got up from the nail bar and showed him the empty till. When he realised there was no money to take he followed us into our staff room trapped us in by standing at the door and demanded our bags and purses.

"Again, when he realised there wasn’t much money on site and he realised we were on the phone to the police he ran off and we locked the doors."

Imogen's mum, Adele Peat, has owned the salon on Town Street for 31 years. The family said they were shocked that the incident could happen in Rodley.

The family are appealing for anyone who may recognise the suspect to come forward to police.

The man is described as white and aged about 50 although he had his face partially covered, he is believed to have dark stubble and a greying fringe.

Imogen added: "We are all very shaken by the experience. It was a massive shock in this area.

"Nobody is hurt but the police have asked us to appeal for witnesses.

"Business is open as usual and new security measures to prevent this happening again are now in place."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are appealing for witnesses after the armed robbery.

A police spokesman said: "At 3.53pm yesterday officers were called to the incident at Spa Adelena, in Town Street, Rodley.

"A man armed with a knife had threatened staff and demanded money from the till and from members of staff’s handbags.

"He took cash from one member of staff and left the premises and headed along Bagley Lane.

"He was described as white and aged about 50.

"He had his face partially covered but was said to have dark stubble and a greying fringe. He was wearing a dark-coloured lightweight raincoat and black jeans."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200100444 or online via the Live Chat.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.