A HUNT is on today for a masked gunman who held up a delivery driver in a terrifying late night armed robbery.

The thug accosted a Mortons Rolls driver in Port Glasgow's Oronsay Avenue with what police say appeared to be a firearm.

He ordered the terrified man to get out of the vehicle before stealing it and driving off.

The van was later found on fire near to the scene.

The shocking robbery happened at 11.30 on Saturday night.

Detectives say the robber was wearing a scarf over his face to conceal his identity.

The driver of the Mercedes Sprinter did as he was told by the thug and then ran off while the vehicle was driven off in the direction of Rona Avenue.

Shortly after midnight officers were made aware of a vehicle fire in Pladda Fields near Arran Avenue.

Officers attended at the scene and say they believe the vehicle found ablaze was the Mercedes van stolen from Oronsay Avenue.

The van has been seized and will be examined by forensics experts.

Although the victim was uninjured he has been left badly shaken by his ordeal.

Detective Inspector Robert Bowie said: “We are in the process of checking CCTV footage for any additional information on the incident and the occupants of the van.

"I am appealing to local residents in Oronsay Avenue and near to Pladda Fields in Port Glasgow to contact us if they saw or heard anything from their homes.

"In particular, if anyone saw a light coloured vehicle being driven around these areas during the hours noted.

"Also, if you have dashcam or private CCTV, please do contact us.

"Any small piece of information could prove vital in our enquiries as we work to establish the motive of this crime.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers on 101, quoting incident number 3783.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.