MASKED armed robbers threatened staff at a convenience store with a knife before taking cash and tobacco on Sunday.

Two offenders entered the One Stop shop on Regent Street in Stotfold at about 10pm and threatened two female members of staff with a knife before taking the goods.

A 21-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident, but police are still appealing for witnesses.

Detective Constable Lynn Adams, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “Although a man has been arrested in connection with this incident it is still vital that members of the public who have information relating to this offence speak to the police urgently.

“It is believed there were two men involved in this crime and both wore light coloured clothing with masks covering their faces.

“It is possible that someone saw two people loitering outside the shop during the evening but as yet haven’t realised what they saw may help this inquiry.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the police in confidence.”

Anyone with information about this incident can call DC Adams on 01234 275011 or Beds Police on 101, or text information to 07786200011.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The incident follows a robbery at the One Stop shop on Shefford Road in Clifton last month, when two offenders brandishing kitchen knives theatened staff and stole cash and cigarettes.

In November, two men, one armed with a handgun, entered the One Stop shop on Regent Street in Stotfold and demanded staff fill a bag with cash from their tills.

Asked if police are linking the three incidents, a spokesman for Beds Police said: “We are keeping an open mind.”