Masked gang raids garage

A terrified female worker was grabbed around the throat and a customer attacked as masked robbers raided a Walsall petrol station.

The cashier at Foley Service Station was thrown to the floor as the gang of five men demanded cash.

Fellow staff member Ray Sarjant was pushed into the shelves and forced into the back room as the balaclava-clad group ordered they give them money.

The gang then set upon a 59-year-old man who visited the shop – chasing him onto the forecourt as he attempted to flee the store. He was left with injuries to his head, leg and hand.

A panic alarm was raised and the intruders escaped without any money. However, they made off with computer equipment containing CCTV footage.

Horrified Mr Sarjant today relived the terrifying ordeal after he opened up the well-used service station in Beacon Hill, on the border of Aldridge and Streetly, at 6am yesterday.

The 54-year-old, who has worked at the Total garage for three years, was on duty with his partner Pat, aged 52, at the time.

He said: "It was an horrendous experience. We had just come to work as normal and opened up. The door opened and five balaclava-clad men ran in.

"Two grabbed me and pushed me into the milk fridge and another other two jumped over the counter. They grabbed Pat by the throat and dragged her away from the counter into the back office and demanded keys to the safe.

"There was a customer who comes in every day and they started fighting him. I just can't believe it."

The men fled on foot although it is believed they may have had a get-away car nearby. Witnesses should call Walsall's robbery team on 0845 113 5000.