Robbers fled with thousands of pounds after forcing terrified staff to open the store safe during a daylight raid in Wolverhampton today.

The Co-op, Tettenhall Road, Newbridge, closed this afternoon as staff were sent home after their ordeal.

Just before 10am two men rounded three workers up before fleeing with a “large” amount of money.

Police say they were not believed to be armed and no-one was hurt in the attack.

The shop was closed as detectives and forensic officers checked for clues. A notice in the window told customers the store would not reopen today.

Andy Cresswell, of Mid-Counties Co-operative’s head office in Walsall, said this afternoon: “Staff were shaken but unhurt and have been offered appropriate support. We are assisting police with their inquiries into the robbery.”

Aneta Jarosz, an assistant at nearby Domino’s Pizza takeaway, said she was shocked to see so many police cars outside the store.

“We didn’t hear anything but officers came in to take statements from us and other traders,” she said.

Force spokeswoman Jaspreet Jagdev described the men as black, one wearing a red bandana or scarf. Anyone with information should call detectives on 0845 113 5000.