Robbers escape with pub's takings

The three robbers – two carrying wooden sticks and one armed with what is believed to be a sawn-off shotgun – got into the Holmewood Bound in Holmewood on Monday at 9.35am.

They stole the weekend's takings from a female member of staff before fleeing in a stolen car. The employee was not injured but was left shaken by the incident.

The robbers are believed to be male and were wearing balaclavas. They fled in a black Audi A4 estate car which police said was stolen from Lancashire. The car was later found burned out on Heyback Walk in Holmewood.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Ian Bryar said: "We will not tolerate people carrying guns and urge anyone with any information about the suspects to contact us."

The three robbers are believed to have entered the pub, which was closed at the time, through an open door.

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 0845 60 60 606 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555.