FIVE men armed with axes stole money and cigarettes from the Co-op in Denholme last night.

Three female members of staff were left terrified after the men raided the School Street shop at 8.30pm, according to a member of staff at the store.

They are believed to have fled the scene in a silver car.

The armed robbery happened 48 hours after the Co-op in Queensbury was also targeted by axe-wielding raiders.

This is the third store to be hit in less than two weeks after four men threatened staff at the Wibsey store in Fair Road.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are investigating a report of a robbery at the Co-op in Denholme which is said to have occurred at about 8.30pm yesterday.

“The suspects are believed to have used a silver car in the offence and are thought to have taken a quantity of cash and cigarettes.

“Enquiries are continuing and anyone who can assist is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13190148113, or use the live chat facility at westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.

“Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”