Cheslyn Hay Co-op raiders were armed with weapons
Masked raiders who burst into a Co-op store in Cheslyn Hay leaving a worker unconscious were armed with weapons including a hammer, it emerged today.
Police have released further details of yesterday's armed robbery at the Landywood Lane supermarket. They say two men wearing black masks and hoods stormed into the store. One was carrying a hammer and the other a wooden stick. They threatened staff and stole a quantity of cash and cigarettes while a third man waited outside.
He was in a light coloured Renault van, which was used as the getaway vehicle.
A man in his 30s who works at the store was assaulted during the raid and had to be taken to hospital.
The two men inside the store both wore dark clothing.
Detectives today issued a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward.
It is the second time the store has been targeted. In April last year, two balaclava-wearing robbers raided it before escaping with a "large amount" of coins. Two shoppers were in the store at the time.
A police cordon was put in place at the supermarket while investigations were carried out.
Meanwhile, forensic officers took photographs and police carried out door-to-door inquires.
It is the latest raid on convenience stores in the Staffordshire area in recent months.
The Co-op store, in Brewood Road, Coven, was targeted by two men in September. They escaped with cash from the till.
The robbery came just days after four stores – in Finchfield, Coseley, Great Wyrley and Burntwood – were raided.
It took the total number of break-ins and armed robberies at smaller stores in the region to 19 since July.
In August, extra security guards and mobile patrol vans were deployed to Co-op stores throughout the Black Country and Staffordshire following the raids.
To help contact DC Ken Cox on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
