ST HELENS POLICE are hunting two men who robbed Threshers off-licence in Chain Lane armed with what is thought to be a gun wrapped in a black plastic bag.

The raid took place at about 9.20pm on Tuesday, March 26 and officers want to hear from anyone who may have seen the pair loitering.

The men, both wearing balaclavas, burst into the shop, prompting two terrified female staff to lock themselves in a rear store room. It then took the raiders less than a minute to remove the cash drawer which was found later on the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the East Lancs Road near to Windle Hall Bridge.

Detective Sergeant Peter Roberts said: "This was a well-planned robbery carried out by two very aggressive men. Both of the staff are suffering from shock, although neither was injured during the raid."

Anyone who saw two men acting suspiciously outside the off-licence shortly before the robbery, or who may have information which could help with their inquiries, should contact DC Kevin McGrory on 0151 777 6064, or the Crime Management Unit on 0151 777 6050.

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