Mrs Pollock, who lives in Leek Wootton, has worked at the Warwick Road store for eight years, but was lucky enough to narrowly miss the attack - arriving just after the balaclava-clad robber had made his getaway.

She said: “I arrived just after and wasn’t sure what was going on at first.

“There were police everywhere, some in uniform and some plain clothed officers too as well as people taking fingerprints at the scene.

“It was breathtaking really. They acted so quickly, they were superb. It goes to show when you really need them they are there.”

She added: “The managers at Sainsbury’s were great too. They were offering tea, coffee and snacks all free all day and anyone who wanted to call home could do so.

“Everyone was just brilliant. We are all just getting over it now, it is quite a shock.

“One lady was too scared to walk home on her own so one of the managers arranged a lift for her. I would never have expected that.

“Everyone worked as a team and all the staff were taken aback by the manager’s approach to everything.

“We also have lots of customers asking how we all are. They are regulars and know us and were obviously concerned. It was a total shock but I am overwhelmed by the response and the support.”

The robbery took place at Sainsbury's Supermarket in Warwick Road, Kenilworth on Thursday, April 17 at 7.30am.

A male, wearing a black balaclava and carrying a knife and possibly a hammer, entered the premises through a staff entrance as employees were arriving for work.

He grabbed one member of staff and threatened her with the knife.

Another member of staff was knocked to the floor.

The masked man left the premises in a black Ford focus and was described as being a white male, wearing a black ski type balaclava and a black hooded top.

Police arrived at the scene within minutes and made an arrest shortly afterwards.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at that time is asked to contact Warwickshire Police on 415000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.