By Mark HeathPOLICE were hunting last night for two armed robbers who struck at a village store and escaped with cash.The terrifying robbery happened at HC Addison & Son, a general store in Woolpit, near Bury St Edmunds.

By Mark Heath

POLICE were hunting last night for two armed robbers who struck at a village store and escaped with cash.

The terrifying robbery happened at HC Addison & Son, a general store in Woolpit, near Bury St Edmunds.

The masked raiders burst into the store at about 8.50pm yesterday and it is believed they threatened staff before fleeing with the shop's cash drawer.

One villager, who asked not to be named, said: “You don't expect something like this to happen in Woolpit.

“We didn't hear anything - the first we knew of it was when we saw three police cars outside the shop.”

Police descended on the quiet village and cordoned off the premises in The Street, which date back to the 15th Century.

Scenes of crime officers and detectives were also drafted comb the shop - which has served the village for more than 100 years - for forensic evidence and to interview witnesses.

Inspector Martin Barnes-Smith, of Suffolk police, said last night: “Two men wearing masks entered the shop armed with wooden weapons shaped like truncheons.

“They then made off with a cash drawer, but we are unsure at the moment how much was taken.

“It's believed they made off in the direction of Rags Lane from the shop. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and who saw or heard anything to contact us.”

Suffolk police were unable any further details about the armed raid, other than to say one of the robbers was taller than the other.

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

mark.heath@eadt.co.uk