Masked teenage gang 'armed with meat cleavers and a firearm raid Co-op shop'

Armed police stormed the estate in Dudley and managed to stop the car 30 minutes later nearby and arrest five occupants.

Officers were alerted to the robbery at Co-Op in Overfield Road, on the Russells Hall estate, just before 10pm last night.

Five masked men had allegedly fled the scene with cash, alcohol and cigarettes.

Police were able to apprehend the suspected gang in a car in nearby Merryfield Road.

Three 17-year-olds – from Wednesbury, Kingswinford and Dudley – plus a 16-year-old from Quarry Bank and an 18-year-old man from Brierley Hill were all arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Sergeant Stuart Birtwistle from Dudley Police's Investigation Team, said: "This was undoubtedly a shocking experience for the staff...thankfully no-one was injured but the psychological impact of being caught up in such an incident can't be underestimated.

"We had response and firearms officers on the scene quickly and armed colleagues did a great job in locating a car believed to have been involved.

"All five are in police custody for questioning; some of the suspected stolen goods have been recovered but searches are on-going at properties linked to the suspects."

A spokesman for Central England Co-operative said: "We can confirm that an incident took place last night at our food store in Overfield Road, Dudley.

"The members of staff on duty were unharmed, but they were obviously shaken by the incident and our primary concern is their safety and wellbeing.

"We are working with the Police while they investigate this matter."