A man was taken to hospital after being injured in a robbery at a convenience store.
The “unusual incident” happened at the Best One shop in Stonehaven at around 6.15pm on Thursday.
Police Scotland said a man suffered an arm injury during the raid and was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He has since been released after receiving treatment.
Items from the store were also stolen during the robbery, which has seen police step-up patrols in the local area.
Officers are hunting three teenage suspects, who are described as being male, white, aged between 14 and 19, of slim build and around five foot tall.
Inspector Martin Burgess said: “Our enquiries into this are at an early stage and I am appealing to the community to come forward with information to assist us. I would appeal to anyone who saw anything unusual or suspicious to come forward and let us know. If you saw anything concerning or anyone matching the description given please let us know and we can follow it up.
“This is an unusual incident for Stonehaven and this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We will be carrying out additional patrols in the area and speaking to people locally to address any concerns.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.