Police make arrest of 'polite robber'

US authorities said officers have made an arrest in a weekend convenience store robbery that a south Seattle store owner found remarkable for the robber's politeness.

The robber also pointed a gun at White Centre Shell station owner John Henry.

Sergeant John Urquhart, of the King County Sheriff's Office, said officers quickly identified a suspect from tips received after surveillance video of Saturday's robbery "went viral".

Mr Henry offered the robber $40 (€29), but the man took all the money, about $300 (€220), apologising and saying he had bills to pay and children to feed.

As he left he said if he ever got back on his feet, he would pay the money back.

Sgt Urquhart did not immediately identify the man arrested.

The spokesman said the 65-year-old man arrested at a residence near the robbery site has convictions for armed robbery and forgery.