Police are hunting four armed robbers who threatened staff at an Oldbury store with metal bars, forcing them to hand over cash.

The gang of four men struck at Dunelm, just off Birchley Island, shortly before the store closed and forced staff to hand over the day’s takings. The workers were ordered to sit down while a manager was led into an office to open the safe. A customer was also thought to still be present in the building at the time.

A spokesman for the company last night described the staff as ‘incredible’, adding they were now being supported following the incident at around 8pm on Friday. The store opened as usual the following morning.

Police are in the process of examining CCTV footage and forensic experts have also visited the premises, one of almost 150 Dunelm superstores across the country.

West Midlands Police spokesman Billy Corrigan said: “Four masked men carrying bars forced staff to hand over the takings. The robbers then escaped in a dark coloured car before police were called.

“The workers were left badly shaken but were otherwise unharmed. CCTV footage has been secured and forensic experts have visited the shop. Other inquiries are also under way to catch those responsible."

The store sits on the Birchley Industrial Estate, next to junction 2 of the M5, opposite vehicle maintenance shop Halfords. Following the incident, shocked staff at Halfords said they were unaware of the raid - with their store closing just moments before.

Anyone with information on the raid should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”