VIDEO: Armed robbers steal thousands of pounds during raid at Co-op in King’s Stanley

ARMED robbers wearing balaclavas stole thousands of pounds from the Co-op in King's Stanley in a raid last night.

Three man wearing balaclavas entered the store at 9.45pm last night with an iron bar, they escorted staff into an office where they demanded that they open the safe.

Staff were not physically harmed but police said they were left distressed and shaken.

The first man, carrying the iron bar, is described as white, in his late 20s, with blue eyes, around 5 foot 10, of a slim build and wearing all black clothing.

The second offender was around 5 foot 6, in his mid 30s, of a stocky build, also wearing black.

There is little description of the third man but he was also wearing black clothing.

A police spokeswoman said: “We understand an incident of this nature can cause concern within the local community, but we wish to reassure residents and other shop workers that we are doing all we can to trace those responsible.”

Shoppers found the store closed and cordoned off this morning and were shocked to hear the news.

"The staff are always friendly and helpful, I hope they are all okay," said one, who did not want to be named.

"It is not the sort of thing you would expect to happen around here."

Forensic officers are due to arrive to investigate this morning, with the store currently closed.

A spokeswoman for the Midcounties Co-op said they were supporting police with investigations.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident 494 of November 30.