A YOUNG woman was left terrified after armed robbers burst into an off-licence in Hartford last week.

Two men brandishing a black handgun entered the Wine Cellar on Chester Road last Tuesday evening and subjected the female shop assistant to a frightening ordeal.

The two masked offenders forced the woman behind the counter just before 7.45pm and ordered her to open the till.

Cigarettes

They stole cash and a quantity of cigarettes before leaving the store.

There were no other customers in the off-licence at the time of the robbery but police would like to speak to two men who were in the shop a few minutes earlier.

Det Sgt Keith Beresford said: "These two men are not suspected in any way but we would like them to come forward as they may have evidence crucial to the enquiry."

Police are linking this robbery to a similar incident at the Thresher off-licence on London Road on Saturday, January 12.

This robbery also took place at 7.45pm and two female shop assistants were forced into the back of the shop by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The first man involved in the Wine Cellar robbery was armed with a 7" barrel handgun. He was white, approximately 20 years old and wearing casual clothing. He was 5'8", of slim build and had a scarf covering his face.

The second offender was also white and in his early twenties. He was 5'8" tall, of slim build and also wore a scarf over his face. He was wearing a pale grey top and trainers.

If anyone has any information about this or the previous armed robbery, they can ring Det Sgt Nigel Groom at Northwich CID on 01244 613234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

hhumphrys@guardiangrp.co.uk