An armed robber raided a supermarket early today and escaped with a haul of cash.

The man struck at the Somers’ Supermart in St George's just before 6am, brandished a firearm and demanded money.

Police said the raider was 5’ 9” tall, dressed in black, with a black mask covering his face.

The man was last seen running along Duke of York Street.

Tredick Gorham, president of The Supermart, said last night that staff were “okay”.

But he added: “It shakes you up a bit. We have to say, thank God nobody got hurt.

“We are leaving it in the hands of police.”

Renée Ming, the national security minister and a St George’s MP, said yesterday: "This is not the news that our community wanted to wake up to this morning.

"As the Minister of National Security, the increase in gun-related crime is extremely concerning.

“We have suffered through an uptick in violence over the past five weeks, and firearms crimes against persons are particularly heinous and only serve to tear at the core of humanity.”

Ms Ming added: "As the area Member of Parliament this activity is very worrisome. St. George's is known for being a calm and peaceful community and it is my hope that the Bermuda Police Service will investigate this robbery with vigour.

"Somers’ Supermart is a staple in the St. George's community and my heart goes out to the staff member who was accosted during the early morning robbery.

“I encourage anyone who has any information about this incident to please contact the Police and share what you know."

Michael Dunkley, the shadow national security minister, said that he had contacted Mr Gorham to ask about the welfare of the staff involved.

He added: “In spite of any challenges we might face as an island, violence and crime do not help our community in moving forward.”

He added: “I urge those who can provide assistance to confidentially share the information. It will help bring offenders to justice and help build a stronger community.

I also urge all business owners to review security arrangements and even seek advice from the BPS on how to improve current security in light of the increase in violent crime.

“It is a poor reflection on our society that we have to do so but in light of the recent violence we should review security and prevention must also be a focus.

“The vast majority of Bermudians are law abiding and good people. We all need to work together and assist the police in eliminating this alarming trend of violence committed by a small number of people."

Police appealed for anyone with information on the robbery to contact 211 or the main police number at 295-0011.