MANCHESTER - A man armed with a knife robbed a west side convenience store Thursday night.

A 23-year-old clerk and a 44-year-old customer were in Crosstown Variety, 270 Amory St., about 8:30 p.m. when a man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black mask entered the store. He demanded cigarettes and cash while holding a knife or blade largely obscured by his hand, according to a police press release.

The clerk handed him some cash from the register and gave him a carton of Newports which he quickly concealed before heading out the door.

The robber is described as about 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-9, weighing 220 pounds. He wore blue jeans, white sneakers and black gloves with yellow or tan trim.

Police said the robber had a raspy voice.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call police at 668-8711. Anonymous tips for cash rewards may be made through Mancheter Crimeline at 624-4040 or online at manchestercrimeline.org .