STAFF were threatened by robbers wielding a knife and crowbar during a "traumatic" armed robbery at a Halesowen shop.

Three men armed with a knife and crowbar targeted Tesco Express on Hagley Road.

They escaped with cash and cigarettes.

Police are investigating and have put out an appeal for information into the incident, which happened just before 1am on Thursday (May 9).

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating an armed robbery at a shop on Hagley Road, Halesowen just before 1am on Thursday morning (9 May).

"Three men armed with a crowbar and a knife stole a quantity of cash and cigarettes.

"Staff members were threatened, but fortunately were not injured in this traumatic ordeal.

"Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website or call 101 quoting 20/477193/24."