Staff and customers at a Banstead shop were subjected to a terrifying robbery this morning.

Four black men entered the Woolworths store in the High Street just after 9am and demanded money. They were wearing hooded tops and used blue scarves to cover their faces.

Although no weapon was seen, staff and customers were threatened with violence if they did not comply with their demands. Nobody was injured.

Detective Inspector Juliet Parker, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a frightening experience for the employees and the customers who were in the store and clearly we need to find those responsible for this robbery.

"Fortunately no one was injured but the robbers restrained those inside by forcibly holding their arms behind their backs."

Detectives believe that the robbers escaped from the store in a grey Peugeot along Wilmot Way, turning left into Winkworth Road and then onto the A217 towards Cheam.

Enquiries into this incident are on-going but anyone who can help is urged to call Surrey Police immediately on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference P08241214 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.