TWO masked robbers made off with cash and a quantity of cigarettes and spirits after threatening staff at an off-licence in Sutton Leach with a Stanley knife.

The incident happened at about 2.10pm on Monday, July 26, when the two men, both clad in purple balaclavas, entered Victoria Wines in Leach Lane, and ordered the staff to lock the door.

One was brandishing the knife and they both rifled through the till, stealing the contents and a quantity of cigarettes and whisky from the shelves, before escaping through a fire door.

Both men were white, about 5ft 7ins tall and slim with medium build. One spoke with a deep voice and wore blue jeans; the other wore a mid-blue top with zips down the sides.

Anyone with information can contact DC Dave Littler at St Helens CID office on 0151 777 6876 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.