CCTV footage shows the terrifying moment a masked gang robbed staff at a Lancashire Co-op at knifepoint.
Police have appealed for help to identify three men who broke into the supermarket in Leyland shortly after 10pm on Saturday (November 13).
The footage released by police shows three members of staff locking up the store on Dunkirk Lane before a man in a balaclava, who is brandishing a large knife, grabs one of them and pins them against the front of the store.
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As he yells at the member of staff with the key, two more masked appear in the frame and the gang push the staff into the store after forcing them to unlock the door.
Lancashire Police said the gang, who were armed with weapons including a hammer and a kitchen knife, ordered staff to put a significant amount of cash and cigarettes into a duvet cover.
The armed gang then instructed the staff to reopen the doors and walk with them across a nearby park to ensure they did not call the police before they could escape.
Police said the victims were subjected to continued threats of violence, but they did not sustain any injuries.
Police have released descriptions of the men they are searching for in a bid to track down the perpetrators.
A statement from Lancashire Police said: "Male one is white, of a stocky build, around 6ft tall and wearing all black clothing with a black ski mask. He was also wearing red gardening style gloves and carried a brightly coloured, drawstring JD bag.
"Male two is white, of a skinny build, with blonde hair and distinctive front teeth which are bucked to the side. He was wearing a two-tone grey and black Under Armour top, grey tracksuit bottoms with white markings, green trainers and a black balaclava.
"Male three is white, of an average build and height. He was wearing all black including a black Adidas sweatshirt, black gloves and a black balaclava."
DC Laura Lawson, of South CID, said: “This was a shocking incident committed against staff who were preparing to go home after a hard day’s work. Instead of being allowed to do that they were instead subjected to a terrifying robbery involving weapons and threats of violence.
"Fortunately, none of them were injured but they were understandably left extremely shaken.
“We understand that the public will rightly be appalled by this incident. We are now asking anybody with information or anyone who recognises the suspects in this case to contact police as soon as possible.
“Reassurance patrols have been increased in the area. If you have any concerns or you have any information which could assist our enquiries then please stop an officer and say hello.”
Anyone with information is asked to email 1311@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 1743 of November 13.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
