A GANG of robbers armed with an angle grinder escaped with thousands of pounds after smashing into a convenience store in Erdington’s Fort Dunlop.

The Londis store, off Fort Parkway, was targeted by a gang who are believed to have escaped with more than £20,000.

The gang of four calmly parked up at the back of the former tyre factory last night before smashing in through the front doors of the shop and then escaping in a powerful Audi RS4 car.

They used an angle grinder to break into the free-standing Link cash point.

The owner of the Londis, who did not want to be named, said: “A cleaner saw what was going on and even tried to take down the registration number. He told security what was happening and they called police.

“The police will be coming back to take forensic samples and they will also be reviewing the CCTV.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0845 113 5000, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”