TWO women shop assistants were tied up and locked in a store room during an armed robbery at a convenience store in Warrington.
Three masked men, armed with crow bars, were involved in the raid on the Spar Shop in Cinnamon Lane, Fearnhead.
Cash and cigarettes were stolen in the raid at about 9.45pm on Friday.
The offenders are believed to have left in a white Ford Transit-type van and drove off onto Cinnamon Lane towards Perth Close.
Detective Constable Gareth Yates from Warrington CID said: "I am keen to speak to anyone that may have seen these men in the area before or after the robbery. The staff were not injured but were understandably extremely shaken by the incident and these men need to be caught."
One of the offenders is described as 6ft 1 inches tall, of slight build. The second offender was about 5ft 7 inches to 5ft 8 inches tll and the third man was  5ft 6 inches tall. All three men were wearing black pants, black jackets, black gloves and black balaclavas covering their faces.
It is understood it was two hours before the two women were released, despite an alarm sounding.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police by dialling 101 or alternatively contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.