Police are searching for a man in his 20s after he threatened staff in Toy World in Stornoway with a weapon.
The armed man entered the shop at 9.30am on Monday and demanded money.
It is understood he made off with £40 from the Perceval Road shop.
No one was injured during the incident.
Shop staff were said to be doing “OK” after their ordeal.
Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.
Police appeal for witnesses
They have described the culprit as being between 20 and 30, approximately 5ft 9ins, of slim build.
He was wearing a thin navy waterproof jacket, black beanie hat, dark tracksuit bottoms with a black snood over his face at the time.
After the man left the shop, islanders are said to have spotted a man in a balaclava at various locations throughout the town.
They posted the man’s whereabouts on social media threads.
Appears to be isolated incident
Detective Inspector Andy Bilton said: “I want to reassure the public that this appears to have been an isolated incident.
“Officers will be carrying out regular patrols of the area and anyone with concerns should contact us.
“I’m appealing for anyone who saw this male in and around Perceval Road that morning or has any information about what happened to get in touch.
“Similarly, I would ask any drivers with dash cam footage of the Macaulay Road area between 8.45am and 9.45am to bring it to our attention.”
Anyone with information should contact police via 101 quoting reference 0785 of May 22, 2023 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Conversation