Detectives investigating an armed robbery at a restaurant in Birstall today released these CCTV images of the suspects.

Police appealing for witnesses to the robbery, in which a gang of men armed with knives and a baton stole several thousand pounds and the manager’s mobile phone.

Officers were called to Nando’s restaurant at the Birstall Retail Park following reports that a group of armed men had stolen cash after the restaurant had closed and the manager was cashing up.

Two members of staff were ordered to the restaurant’s office before the suspects stole the money from the safe.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “When officers arrived, they discovered that three men, armed with knives and a baton, had got into the restaurant through an open fire door.

“Five members of staff were in the restaurant at the time, which the suspects targeted as the manager was cashing up in a back office.

“The suspects ordered two members of staff into the office and then emptied the open safe, stealing several thousand pounds in cash and the manager’s mobile phone before fleeing.

“Police were alerted to the robbery by the two remaining members of staff who were able to go to the nearby McDonalds to raise the alarm.”

Police said no-one was hurt or directly threatened during the robbery.

The suspects were three men wearing face coverings.

One wore a pale grey hooded top and bottoms, a second wore a blue jacket and black tracksuit bottoms and the third suspect wore a black jacket and grey jogging bottoms.

Police have appealed for information to the robbery, which took place at about 11.55pm on Tuesday, July 26.

Witnesses, anyone with information or anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV images released by police have been asked to contact Detective Constable David Lock, at Dewsbury CID, on (01924) 431095 or Crimestop-pers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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