Pawn shop staff targeted in raid

Two members of staff were forced to lie on the floor in an armed robbery by masked raiders at a Coventry pawn shop.

A "substantial" amount of money and jewellery was taken from Harvey and Thompson in Hales Street, police said.

The man and woman working there were preparing to close late on Wednesday afternoon when four men with iron bars forced open back doors at the shop.

Two of the men were wearing balaclavas and the other two had black motorcycle helmets.

The four men, who were also wearing black combat clothing, forced their way into a secure area of the store.

'Many people waiting'

The woman, who was threatened, was not hurt but was left badly shaken.

West Midlands Police believe rush hour commuters and people heading home from work may have seen the men running from the shop.

Det Sgt Jim Edmonds, of Little Park Street police, said: "There will have been many people waiting at bus stops, walking home or leaving the office at the time.

"They will almost certainly have noticed three men running at speed or jumping in a car or onto a bike which has then sped away."

Police also urged people to be on the lookout if offered cheap jewellery.

Det Sgt Edmonds said: "The chances are that it is stolen. If people are offered any items that seem too good to be true we would urge them to get in touch."