POLICE are linking the armed raid on a Securicor Depot to others around the country.

Three men, armed with two power saws, two shotguns and a handgun, broke into the compound, off Stanley Street, around 6.30pm on Saturday.

The men, who were on foot, broke through the perimeter fence behind a brick store, before charging the building with the two saws activated. Two of the gang cut through a metal shutter while the third stood guard, brandishing a silver handgun.

They sawed through an inner shutter, produced shotguns and fired what police believe were three warning shots. Brave staff locked themselves in vehicles, triggered alarms and contacted the police while the gunmen searched for cash. The masked raiders fled once they realised there was no money lying around. They are thought to have left via Booths' car park which leads to Queens Street.

Two of the men are described as in their 20s and thin, and the third as in his 30s and stocky. All three wore dark blue boiler-suits, balaclavas and Perspex glasses.

Detective Inspector Peter Mason said: "We are making enquiries with other forces about similar incidents. We have around 15 officers working on the case, but we have had a disappointing response from the public regarding witnesses.

"We want to speak to people who may have seen the men during the robbery, or the days before, hanging around the depot. We also want to know about a light-coloured Bedford Rascal-style van, seen driving down Queens Street by a garage shortly after the incident."

Anyone with information should call (01772) 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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