MASKED men armed with knives stole a large quantity of cash from a safe at a social club in Astwood Bank.

The Astwood Bank Club, in Dark Lane, had closed for the evening when the men, both wearing woolly hats with scarves across their faces, burst in through a side door.

A club member in his 50s was attacked by the raiders who demanded money and made threats.

The men also threatened a woman member of staff who was made to hand over keys to a safe.

The terrified pair were then locked in a store cupboard.

Soon after the masked men had left they managed to break out and raise the alarm

Detective Constable Dave Jennings, of Redditch CID, said: "The robbers were quite prepared to use violence to get what they wanted and this was a nasty incident.

“Fortunately, however, neither of the people at the club were badly hurt.”

One of the robbers was described as white, about 5ft 8inches in height and of medium build.

He was wearing a black, beanie-style hat, a black scarf across his face and a green, army-style, camouflage jacket. He spoke with an Irish accent.

The other man was of similar height and build and possibly black.

He was also wearing a dark woolly hat and scarf across his face.

Detective Constable Jennings added: "It happened in quite an isolated spot and there would not have been many people around at that time.

“It's possible, therefore, that the robbers or any car they were using might have been more noticeable.

“We need anyone with information to come forward to help us catch these men as soon as possible."

Police are stepping up reassurance patrols in the area following the robbery.

It follows an incident last week, in Astwood Bank, where staff at a convenience store were threatened by a masked man armed with a knife.

The man, who had his face covered with a scarf, stole money and cigarettes from the Bank Convenience Store on Feckenham Road on October 28.

The robber entered the store and threatened a member of staff before demanding that he hand over money and cigarettes.

The latest robbery happened on Sunday, November 4 at about 11.40pm.

Anyone with information is being urged to call 101, quoting the reference 561-S-041112, or charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.