Ripples Waterlife, Stafford Park, scene of an armed robbery today

Armed robbers in balaclavas and sunglasses threatened staff with baseball bats and held a knife to their throats in a terrifying raid on a Telford shop.

Two workers at Ripples Waterlife, Stafford Park 11, were confronted by the men and forced into an office where a knife was held to their throats during the robbery yesterday evening.

Both members of staff, men in their 20s, were today recovering from the ordeal at home following the incident yesterday.

Joe Cowing, manager of the aquarium store, said his staff were unhurt, but had been very frightened. 

“It was about 5.30pm and there were two boys working in the tropical house,” he said.

“Two guys entered and confronted them with baseball bats and forced them into the office where there was a chap waiting for them with a knife, who then asked them to open the till and forced them to open the safe with a knife to their throats.

“They were forced to stay in the office while they made their getaway, then they got out of the shop when they realised the coast was clear, got in their cars and drove away and called the police.

“The guys had taken all the telephones away from the office and left them by the door.”

Mr Cowing said his staff were “badly shaken up”.

“It was a really nasty incident,” he said.

A Sony Ericsson mobile phone was also stolen.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman said: “Because the offenders were wearing balaclavas and sunglasses officers have only limited descriptions of them.

“However, all are believed to be men, with one thought to be about 6ft and the other two about 5ft 8in.”

Call Telford police on 0300 333 3000 if you can help.