A close-knit village community has been left in shock after masked robbers tied up convenience store workers and stole about £2,500.

Three men attacked a male member of staff, who received bruises and cuts, at One Stop convenience store in Cross Road, Tadworth, between 7am and 7.15am on Sunday.

The robbers tied up the man and his female colleague, in their 30s, before fleeing with cash and a couple of packets of cigarettes.

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Paramedics treated the victim at the scene and police now are hunting for two Asian men and a black man who wore dark hoodies.

Chris Chapman, from butchers Chapman and Son next door, said: "It’s obviously very concerning. Things like this do not happen in our little village. It’s a very tight-knit community.

"It must have been quite an ordeal for them. It’s the last thing you expect on a sleepy Sunday morning."

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Mr Chapman has started a petition against plans for a Sainsbury’s Local in the Avenue amid fears it would significantly impact on local shops and parking.

He said: "With another supermarket in the village, it potentially makes it a bigger target for the less than auspicious people of this world."

Andrew FFoulkes, owner of Gordon Newman Delicatessen in Cross Road, said he saw police at the scene on the way to his store on Sunday at 10am.

Mr FFoulkes said: "It’s very disturbing. No-one is immune from violent crime but you never thought something like this would happen in Tadworth."

He added: "I live in Tadworth as well and to think that’s happening on your doorstep, it’s very worrying." Mr FFoulkes said convenience stores are often targeted because they have long opening hours and stock cigarettes and alcohol.

He also raised concerns about Sainsbury’s planning application for permission to open a store that would stay open until 11pm in a residential area.

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He said: "What is that going to bring into Tadworth? It does become more alarming. This is what Tadworth does not need."

Tesco owns convenience store chain One Stop. When asked about the robbery, a One Stop spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the incident at our Tadworth store and are helping the police with their enquiries."

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said there was no evidence to suggest that a Sainsbury’s store would increase the likelihood of another incident.

He said: "We take security at our stores as a key priority. Our proposed store in Tadworth would be well lit and covered by a close circuit television system.

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Andrew FFoulkes and Chris Chapman in Cross Road

"We work closely with the local authorities and emergency services at all of our stores and closely monitor and respond to changing environments to ensure our stores, and the areas which they serve, are as safe as possible".

More than 800 shoppers have signed the petition against the Sainsbury’s store and more than 200 people have submitted objections to Reigate and Banstead Council.

Sainsbury’s have said the store would bring new trade into Tadworth and improve choice for residents without significantly affecting existing shops.

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45140069056. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.