A MASKED gang which robbed a convenience store is being hunted by police.

At 6am on Monday, Staffordshire Police say four offenders, including one armed with a crowbar, burst into the Co-op in Thornhill Road, Streetly, near Sutton Coldfield, as staff were opening up.

Wearing balaclavas and dressed in dark clothing, the quartet verbally threatened two men working in the shop before stealing a “large quantity” of cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of cash. No figure has yet been put on the stolen haul.

Detective Constable Ian Pickstock, of Tamworth CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “Fortunately no one was injured, although it was a frightening experience for those involved.” The store was closed for a number of hours while officers examined the scene. Police also plan to study CCTV footage.

* Anyone with information should call police on 0300 123 44 55.