Armed gang in Co-op robbery

A security guard was forced to the floor by an armed gang and robbed of cash at a Walsall shop.

The gang burst into the Co-op in Liskeard Road and demanded the cash, hours after an armed robbery at another Co-op near Wolverhampton.

It is the second time the Walsall shop has been targeted by a violent gang. Last June, a gunman demanded cash from the till.

In the latest attack, it is believed the guard was due to put cash in the safe.

The three men – one with a weapon – grappled him to the floor before stealing cash at 1pm yesterday. Police have refused to say what type of weapon was used.

The offenders, described as Asian, escaped in a blue Peugeot 307, which was driven by an accomplice.

The guard was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital with minor neck injuries but was not seriously hurt and was later released.

The attack came hours after a gun-wielding yob burst into a Co-op store in Wombourne and demanded money from terrified workers, who had been taking in early-morning deliveries before opening the shop.

Anyone with information is being urged to call Walsall police on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.