POLICE are appealing for information following an armed robbery at the Co-op store on Mercer Street in Burtonwood on Monday night.

Three men entered the store at 7pm wearing balaclavas, with one carrying a crowbar.

They shouted 'no one move' and while one used the crowbar to stop people entering or leaving the shop, the other two ransacked the counter for cigarettes.

They were placed in a large builder's bag before the men left in a vehicle believed to be silver or grey.

The first man, who had a Liverpool accent, is described as approximately 6ft tall, and of stocky build.

He was wearing a black balaclava, black gloves, black jacket with a zip, and at the time of the incident he was carrying a white bag with two large handles on it and pink writing on the side.

The second man, who also had a Liverpool accent, was described as white, approximately 5ft 10 inches tall, and of skinny build.

He was wearing a black balaclava over his face, and a black jacket with a zip up front, and Velcro covering over the zip.

He was also wearing black gloves, black trousers and black shoes.

A third offender is described as white, approximately 6ft 2 inches tall, and of stocky build.

His face was concealed by a black scarf and he was wearing a grey woollen hat over his head, and dark grey tracksuit pants, which had blue or black striped down each leg.

A spokesman for The Co-operative Food said: “The men threatened staff and stole a quantity of cigarettes.

"The members of staff were unhurt, but very shaken by the incident.

"CCTV footage has been given to the police, who are investigating.

"As with any incident such as this, we would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 799 of 17/11/2014.