ARMED robbers wielding a knife and an axe terrified shop assistants in Winsford before escaping with handfuls of cash.

Two female staff members, at the Alldays convenience store, on School Road, were confronted by the two men who threatened them and grabbed bank notes from the till.

Police told how the masked raiders, armed with an eight inch knife and a 14 inch axe, ran off towards the Wharton estate.

Officers feel they may have been spotted because they were both wearing distinctive lumberjack style shirts.

Detective Constable Dave Stott said: "It is frightening that robbers are using knives and other dangerous weapons more commonly in raids on shops."

"But for this reason it is important that shop assistants do not take any unnecessary risks.

"Neither of the shop assistants in this raid were hurt but both were shocked in what must have been a traumatic experience."

One of the staff was behind the counter and the other was in the aisles when the raiders entered the shop through the front entrance at about 9.20pm, on Wednesday, December 27.

DC Stott confirmed that a number of people were continuing to help with police enquiries, but there were no suspects.

Police described the man with the knife as 5ft 5ins tall, aged in his 20s, of slim build, with a local accent, and wearing a balaclava, dark clothes, a lumberjack shirt and white trainers.

The robber with the axe was described as 5ft 8ins tall, aged in his early 20s, also with dark clothes, a lumberjack shirt, a balaclava, and white trainers.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the raid are urged to ring Winsford CID on 01244 612589 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.