A man armed with a claw hammer threatened staff and stole cash in Astley

At

about 10pm on Wednesday 26 January 2011, three members of staff were closing up

at the Co-op store on Stour Road.

The

offender went in and threatened staff with the hammer, demanding cash. After

stealing a quantity of cash the offender then tried to force open a till with

the hammer.

Unsuccessful,

he ran off.

The

robber is described as being a white man in his late 20s, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in

tall, of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured fleece jacket and was

carrying a white bag, which he used to carry the cash.

Detective

Constable Jon Quigley said: "This was a traumatic experience for the

members of staff who were coming to the end of their shift.

"They

were able to raise the alarm quickly and the police attended. We have now

launched an investigation to trace the offender, but would like any potential

witnesses to get in touch."

Anyone

with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5307 or call the

independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.