DETECTIVES are seeking witnesses to a ‘terrifying’ armed robbery at a convenience store in Knutsford.

Three men, two armed with machetes, stole cash from the Co-op on Parkgate Lane last night (Sunday) after threatening staff.

Officers investigating the robbery want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen something which could help their investigation.

At about 10.20pm last night three men entered the Co-op by the main entrance.

Once inside the store they threatened members of staff, demanding they took them to the safe.

The three men, who were all wearing black clothing, black gloves and balaclavas, subsequently emptied the safe and stole a quantity of cash from the tills.

They fled through a rear fire exit which leads out onto the car park.

Det Con Andy Roberts said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for all those involved, and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the men responsible.

“The investigation is currently in the very early stages, and we are following a number of lines of inquiry.

READ>>> Cash and tobacco stolen from Parkgate Lane Co-op in February

“I also want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery and believes they may have witnessed something that may be relevant to our investigation.

“The same goes for any motorists with a dashcam who were driving in the Parkgate Lane area around the time of the incident.

“I urge anyone with footage or information, no matter how small, to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information which may help detectives with their investigation should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 456367, give the details via cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Dashcam footage can be submitted online at cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage

A Co-op spokesman said: “There was an incident in our Parkgate Lane, Knutsford, store at around 10.15pm yesterday when intruders entered the store. Fortunately no-one was hurt.

"Police are investigating, and we appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward. The store has since re-opened to serve the community.

“Safety, security and the wellbeing of colleagues is our number one priority. We know that violence and crime is about much more than statistics, it is about its impact on people’s lives and the communities in which they live and work.

"As a community-based organisation we see the impact of social issues in our stores, and we’re committed to working to protect colleagues and make our communities safer.

"This includes a multi-million pound investment in innovative technology – including colleague headsets, the latest remote monitored CCTV, SmartWater Fog Cannons and covert trackers – all designed to address violence, abuse and crime in communities.”