A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to support shop staff after they were threatened during an armed robbery.
Three men armed with knives and a hammer threatened staff at the Co-op store on St. Kenelm’s Road, Romsley, last week.
A JustGiving page was set up by the Friends of Romsley & Hunnington group and Romsley St. Kenelm's Scout Group to "provide a meal or similar treat" for staff at the shop following the shocking incident.
The organisers said: "We were all shocked by the robbery at Romsley Co-op.
"Friends of Romsley & Hunnington, recognised that so many people in the community wanted to support the wonderful staff at our Co-op at this time.
"They're always so helpful and friendly and we want to show them that our community appreciates everything that they do.
"With the help of Romsley Scout Group, we're asking for donations to provide a meal or similar treat. Every penny donated will go to this cause".
More than £800 has already been raised by the appeal.
Andy Shepherd, the lead volunteer with the scout group, said: “Romsley Co-op are so supportive of the scout group and all the village organisations.”
They presented the group with £100 last month after organising a raffle.
Mr Shepherd added that the hundreds of pounds raised by the appeal so far is “brilliant.”
The robbers struck the Co-op shop at around 7.20am on Friday, May 3.
They escaped with a quantity of cash and cigarettes.
The robbers then made their escape in a white-coloured Ford Fiesta, which was last seen driving in the direction of Halesowen.
Detective Sergeant Ian Tomlinson of North Worcestershire CID said: “This robbery took place at a time when people may have been visiting the store or driving past on their way to work or on the school run.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen something or has dashcam footage they can share with us.”
Anyone who has any information regarding this incident should call DS Ian Tomlinson at Kidderminster CID on 01562 826105 quoting log 67i of May 3.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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