WHEN two women arrived to open the Co-op in Newent on Tuesday morning they were immediately followed into the foodstore by two men who stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes, cash and stamps.

The women were manhandled and shut in a rear room of the shop by the men, one of whom was carrying a crowbar, and escaped through the rear door.

The women then heard a car wheel spin as the men made their getaway. Both women were shaken up, although uninjured by their ordeal.

Gloucestershire Police have described both men as being tall and slim wearing hi-vis jackets and balaclavas.

It’s believed the offenders parked their car in the library car park opposite the shop as they waited for staff to arrive and open up.

As part of the police investigation the constabulary would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the vicinity at around 6.30am. Did you see a car parked in the library car park or see a car speeding off from the Co-op? Please call 101 quoting incident number 48 of February 7.