Teen suspects bailed over gun and meat cleaver raid at Dudley Co-op
Five teenagers suspected of arming themselves with meat cleavers and a gun to raid a shop have all been bailed.
Armed police stormed the Russells Hall estate in Dudley at 10pm on Tuesday, after being alerted to the robbery at the Co-op on Overfield Road.
Five masked robbers escaped with cash, alcohol and cigarettes, but were stopped in a getaway car 30 minutes later nearby and arrested.
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.
Today they were bailed until May 9, with conditions to live and sleep at specific addresses, not to associate with each other, abide by a 9pm to 7am curfews and not to visit any Co-Op in Dudley borough.
Sergeant Stuart Birtwistle, from Dudley Police's Investigation Team, yesterday described the raid as 'shocking', adding: "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."
A spokesman for Central England Co-operative added: "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."
