A CONVENIENCE store was raided by robbers brandishing hammers and a knife late on Wednesday night.

The Co-op on Chapel Lane in Burtonwood was targeted during a robbery at around 10pm on December 1.

Cheshire Police say three "unknown" men entered the premises armed with the weapons before threatening staff and ordering them to open the safe.

They stole a quantity of cash then fled.

One of the raiders is described as being white and around 5ft 9ins tall, and was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

A second robber – who wear wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing – was white, around 6ft and of a stocky build while the third was also white and around 5ft 8ins.

He too was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

The force is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective constable Chris Murphy said: “Thankfully the store workers were not injured as a result of the incident, although understandably they have been left shaken.

“We’re currently following a number of lines of enquiry including CCTV analysis and forensics.

“As part of our investigation, we’re also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and believes they may have witnessed the offenders entering or fleeing the store.

“I would also ask nearby residents and drivers to check their CCTV or dash cam footage and come forward if you believe it may be useful to our investigation.

“If you have any information, no matter how small, please call us on 101 – quoting incident number IML1146081 – or give the details via cheshire.police.uk/ro/report.

“Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”