Police are appealing for information after masked robbers threatened a Wolverhampton shop worker with an axe and hammer before fleeing with cash and cigarettes.

Officers have released footage of the frightening ordeal in an attempt to trace the pair responsible for the raid. The weapon-wielding robbers stormed into GMP Off Licence, in Long Knowle Lane, Wednesfield, just before 10pm on 17 December. 

One of the men went round the counter with a hammer and hit the worker twice on the arm causing bruising and swelling. At the same time the other man threatened to strike the male staff member with the axe before smashing and grabbing the till. The pair took a quantity of cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot. 

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the men or has any information about the robbery. PC Mark Turner, from Force CID at Wolverhampton, said:

"This was nasty robbery where the men involved had weapons and were not afraid to use them.

"Fortunately the shop worker wasn’t seriously injured but we don’t underestimate the distress of being in such a situation. I would urge anyone who can help our enquiries to come forward." 

Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via 101.

Quote crime reference number 20WV/298053G/19.