WILSDEN Co-Op has become the fourth store to be raided by axe-wielding robbers in 17 days.

Armed robbers burst into the Royd Street store at 8.30pm and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Wibsey's Co-Op was the first to be raided on March 7, followed by the Queensbury shop on March 19 and the Denholme shop 48 hours later.

All were carried out by men with axes, who stole cash and cigarettes.

Detectives are appealing for information and have urged anyone who saw a silver C-Class Mercedes with black stripes driving off in the direction of Main Street to get in touch.

The car was later abandoned on Spencer Road in Great Horton and was seized by police. 

Detective Inspector Craig MacKay, of Bradford CID, said: “We are investigating this incident which happened last night in Wilsden and we are in particular keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the car in and around the area or anyone fleeing the scene.

“Our investigation remains ongoing into the circumstances of the incident, but we would urge anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the police.” 

Councillor Simon Cooke, ward councillor for Bingley Rural, labelled the raids "really concerning" after seeing the last two incidents take place in his ward and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "It's clearly the same gang and people need to do anything they can to help catch them before they seriously hurt them.

"It's only a matter of time before they seriously injure or kill someone and it's really important we work with the police and others to catch them.

"They are clearly working their way around and you can probably write a list of possible Co-Ops and convenience stores they are going to raid.

"It's really concerning, not just because they have stolen some money and cigarettes, but they have done them in a violent way."

Cllr Cooke said the Co-Op has to re-think their security arrangements to try and stop any more attacks taking place.

He added: "You might be working in a convenience store or Co-Op and thinking 'are we going to be next?'.

"It must be deeply worrying for them, but managers cannot just close up because they have a business to run.

"I hope they get caught quickly and then we can begin to think about what's driving these sorts of things."

Cllr Trevor Dufton, of Wilsden Parish Council, said members of the authority were worried about these serious crimes taking place in Wilsden.

He added: "It's disgraceful.  There is a series of these crimes at the moment and it's another example of what seems to be happening in our society.

"As a parish council we are concerned with any incident in the village, whether it is at a Co-Op or any other business.

"There is a major issue for the Co-Op to address.

"I would like to see more police on the beat, but we meet with them regularly and they keep us informed about what they are doing, but we understand at the moment they are stretched for resources." 

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Bradford CID via 101 quoting crime reference number 13190153213. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.