Petrol station staff in raid terror

Apr 16 2007 By James Cartledge and Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail

AN armed raider terrorised a worker at knifepoint before stealing cash from a petrol station today.

The knifeman burst into Merestone's garage at Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green, just before 6am. He threatened a cashier with the blade before escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.

West Midlands Police said investigations were at an early stage and a spokeswoman urged witnesses to come forward.

The normally busy forecourt was sealed off this morning, with police tape and cones stopping customers filling up.

Detectives were at the scene with forensic scenes of crime officers and officers were understood to be viewing CCTV from the forecourt.

A uniformed policeman was stationed at the petrol station's door, which sits at the junction of Fox Hollies Road and Summer Lane.

Residents said today it was not the first time the garage had been robbed.

Two years ago, police stepped up patrols in the area after a robbery and a series of bilkings - or crimes where drivers make off without paying for their fuel.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 113 5000.