ARMED robbers have escaped with a significant amount of cash after a raid at a bailiff company on the Washford Industrial Estate in Redditch.

The incident happened on Wednesday, July 27 when offenders were seen fleeing from a white van abandoned in Breaches Lane, Matchborough, just after noon.

Minutes before that a number of males wearing dark clothes and balaclavas had forced their way into the premises of Bristow and Sutor in Bartleet Road.

At least one of the robbers was armed with what appeared to be a firearm.

They threatened staff before stealing a large sum of money and running to a white Mercedes Sprinter van - registration X573 MAP - parked outside in Bartleet Road.

The van was driven about a quarter of a mile to Breaches Lane, near the Matchborough Centre, where the offenders left it.

It is not known in which direction they went.

Police including dog handlers, along with the force helicopter, were involved in the hunt for the robbers and door to door inquiries are being carried out in the area.

The van has now been removed from the scene and is currently being examined by forensic specialists.

Detectives based at Redditch CID have launched an investigation.

Detective Inspector Brian Russell said: "This was an extremely distressing and traumatic event for the staff confronted by this gang.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area before, during or after this robbery, particularly anyone in Bartleet Road or Breaches Lane who may have seen the white Mercedes van or any of the males using it.

"The smallest detail could be important to our investigation so if you saw or heard anything which you think could be connected then please get in touch with us without delay."

Detectives can be contacted at Redditch CID on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 243-S-270711, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.