Armed robbers hit computer firm

Detectives are hunting a gang of armed robbers after £100,000 worth of computer equipment was stolen from an industrial estate.

The robbers struck at about 1825 BST at Access Computing in Deans Industrial Estate, Livingston, on Thursday.

A member of staff was threatened at knifepoint by three men and forced to reopen the premises after work.

Once inside, the gang tied up their victim, loaded the equipment into a white panel van and sped off.

This was a violent robbery and was obviously pre-planned Police spokeswoman

The 47-year-old employee managed to free himself and contacted the police.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

She said: "This was a violent robbery and was obviously pre-planned. It is a possibility these men have been hanging around the area of the industrial estate prior to the incident, possibly paying particular attention to this unit.

"The incident happened fairly early in the evening and it is also a possibility that someone may have witnessed it or noticed the van hanging around.

"We would be particularly keen to speak to them."

The suspects, who were white men, were all wearing balaclavas.

The first man was described as being aged between 20 and 23, 5ft 11in and of slim build. He had a Glasgow accent.

The second was between 17 and 19 years old, 5ft 9in, of thin build while the third was described as 20 to 23, 5ft 10in and also of thin build.