A man armed with a firearm stormed the Henny Penny on Cowper street at about 8.30pm.Police said he threatened four employees before stealing cash and a handbag and fleeing out the back door.A female employee gave chase into nearby Irving street where he was seen getting into a vehicle before it drove off. All employees were uninjured.Newcastle Police established a crime scene last night and are investigating the frightening incident.Police are looking to speak to a man they believe may be able to assist them.He is described as being aged between 25 and 30, 180cm to 185cm tall, of medium build and was seen at the time wearing a grey hooded jumper, a face covering and long black pants.Wallsend state Labor MP Sonia Hornery has led a major push for the local police station to be re-opened, after the State Government sold it off and closed it down in the early 2000s. She has presented two petitions to parliament, of more than 10,000 signatures, highlighting the lack of police in the area.“Response time is a big issue for those people who live in western suburbs and even in the main area of Wallsend,” she said.“We’d like more resources, more police on patrol, particularly in the evenings.“We’d like the government to be spending more money on police cars so there are patrols on a more regular basis.”Ms Hornery said while there has been a big improvement in the last few years, there’s still an issue.“Response times are something that are out of control if they don’t have enough staff,” she added.“It is a really important issue to our community.”After news of the armed robbery spread on social media, there were also a number of calls urging the return of a police station in the area.“Bring back local police stations not one big manned police station to cover multiple areas,” a person commented on Facebook.There was also an outpouring of support for staff who were victim to the hold-up.“I hope staff are all ok,” another said.“Young staff traumatised for life,” said another.Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle City police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.We’re still here for you. For trusted news that matters, and to support local journalism, go straight to the source:>> Visit The Newcastle News website>> Get local news direct to your inbox. Search and sign up for The Newcastle News here: https://www.newsletters.news.com.au/dailytelegraph >> Find us on social Instagram and Twitter



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