The police yesterday embarked on an island-wide search for a man who robbed Scotts Supermarket in Burmarrad.

The robbery took place at around 3.30pm when the man, wearing a white balaclava, entered the large outlet and demanded cash.

He grabbed the first girl in the line of cashiers and dragged her to the ground by her hair as he waved a telescopic baton at other employees.

The man, who was described as six-foot tall, snatched cash from two of the tills and ran out.

He drove off in a blue car with no registration plates, which was believed to be a Ford.

Sources said some people were hit as the man swung his baton but no one was seriously injured.

Several employees and some customers were treated for shock after an ambulance arrived on the scene.

The amount stolen is believed to be in the region of €300 to €500.

Sources said the man was wearing jeans and a maroon jacket with the number 18 printed on the back. The search for him and for the car carried on during the night.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella was informed about the case. She appointed a number of court experts to assist her with the investigation.