Police appeal after armed robbery and explosion at Stoke-on-Trent shop

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following an armed robbery at a shop in Stoke-on-Trent.

At around 10.10pm last night (Thursday 27 July), officers were called to a report of two men with a weapon at the Co-op on Keelings Road, Northwood.

Two men wearing all black clothing including balaclavas entered the store – one with a sledgehammer – and created a small explosion in an attempt to remove the store’s cash machine.

This led to a small fire in the store which was extinguished by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

One of the men received facial injuries as a result of the small explosion.

Nothing was taken and no-one was injured.

Detective Inspector Nathan Hough, senior investigating officer, said:

"This was a brazen attack and left staff understandably shaken. Thankfully, no one was injured.

“We are doing all we can to identify those involved.

"I would urge the public to come forward with any information that may assist with our investigation. Residents with smart doorbells or CCTV in neighbouring streets are asked to check any footage captured around the time of the incident in case there is anything recorded that may seem related."

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• Staffordshire