MASKED raiders threatened staff with a knife, hammer and cosh during an attempted robbery at a convenience store in Widnes.

At around 10.35pm on Wednesday (September 4) three men, wearing balaclavas entered the shop on Liverpool Road and demanded staff show them to the safe.

At the same time, a staff member was able to activate the panic alarm, which caused the men to leave the shop empty handed.

Detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses.

One of the men is described as white, of slim build and around 5' 7" tall. He was wearing a dark jacket and in possession of a weapon similar to a kosh.

The second man is described as white, of a slim build and also around 5' 7". He was wearing grey clothing and in possession of a hammer.

The third man is described as white, wearing a black jacket and was in possession of a large knife.

If you saw anyone in the area at the time the robbery took place, contact Cheshire Police on either 101 quoting IML 504140, provide information by email at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact the online form at Crimestoppers anonymously https://crimestoppers-uk.org/