Updated: Armed raiders hit shops

Men armed with hammers raided McColls in Highroad Well Lane, Halifax, at 9.25pm and five minuted later the Sainsbury’s Local in Park Drive, Halifax.

Earlier, at 8.39pm, a similar incident was reported at the Co-op at The Workshop, Greenside Lane, Cullingworth, followed by an armed raised at the Co-op in Station Road, Oxenhope ten minutes later.

Detective Inspector Neil Benstead said police believe the incidents are linked:

“In all four offences, two people dressed in balaclavas and armed with hammers have entered the businesses and demanded cash from tills. Thankfully none of the cashiers were injured but this was understandably a frightening ordeal for them and we are making extensive enquiries to locate those responsible,” said Det Insp Benstead.

“The incidents are being officially linked and we are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any part of this crime spree or who may have information about those responsible. The suspects and vehicle had earlier attended at two petrol stations in Bradford, one on Thornton Road, Thornton, and one on Howarth Road, Bradford, in an attempt to steal petrol. They were successful at the Howarth Road petrol station.

“The suspects were using a dark coloured, possibly blue or black, Volkswagen Golf with registration number FR12 UFW. We believe this vehicle was displaying false number plates. We would also urge anyone with information about the movements of this vehicle or its current whereabouts to get in contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bradford CID on 101.