Masked robbers in raid at store

Balaclava-clad raiders jumped the counter at a Wall Heath shop before loading cigarettes into plastic bins.

Police are linking the theft to an armed robbery at a nearby newsagent.

Two men in dark clothing struck at the Co-op store in Albion Parade, at 8.30pm yesterday. They got over the counter while staff were in the aisles before clearing shelves of cigarettes and fleeing.

It follows a raid at the Spar store in Lapwood Avenue, Kingswinford, on November 30. Two men in balaclavas entered the shop at around 9.55pm. They did not speak but leapt over the counter, loading cigarettes into bins.

A look-out holding an axe waited outside the entrance before all three escaped, possibly in a blue vehicle.

No-one was seen waiting outside the Co-op and no getaway vehicle was reported in the latest raid.

Anyone with information should call Halesowen CID on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.