Building society targeted in raid

Robbers smashed their way into a building society with a gas canister before escaping with a "substantial amount of cash".

The three men smashed the window of the Nationwide Building Society in Market Place, Cannock, Staffordshire, shortly before 1740 GMT on Monday.

Security guards who had been operating a cash machine inside were approached by the men, who demanded money.

None of the security guards were injured during the raid.

Police said the men, who are all thought to be white, escaped in an Audi car along Old Penkridge Road.

The car was later found at the Littleton Business Park, off Cocksparrow Lane.

Officers found tracks in the snow there which led them to believe the men left the scene in another vehicle.