POLICE are appealing for information following an armed robbery at a Wharton shop yesterday evening.

At 7.40pm on Tuesday, February 21, three armed offenders, all believed to be men, entered the Co-op Store in Wharton Road, and began to threaten staff and customers.

The men approached the counter and stole a large quantity of cigarettes. They then left the store and made off in a black Audi A3 which had been waiting in Wharton Road.

The offenders were all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas. Police say they were armed with an axe and a Stanley knife.

Detective Constable Dave Walton from Northwich LPU said: “We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry in relation to this incident, including CCTV analysis, forensics and speaking to witnesses.

“As part of the investigation I’d like to speak to anyone who was in the Wharton Road area at the time of the incident and believes that they may have seen anything suspicious.

“I’m specifically keen to trace a man who was present, in the store, at the time of the incident. The man was wearing a high visibility tabard and attempted to tackle one of the offenders as they arrived at the store.

“I urge anyone with any information to contact the CID at Northwich on 101 quoting incident number 801 of February 21, 2017.”

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.