THE Co-op in Denholme was robbed yesterday afternoon, almost exactly a month after the last attack on the store.

The previous attack occurred at around 8:30pm on March 21, and was one of a number of robberies at Co-op stores in the Bradford district last month.

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This worrying issue has not gone away and Denholme's Neighbourhood Watch page on Twitter posted a status at around 6:30pm saying "yet again men with axes".

They also tweeted that there were "some very angry and upset residents here in Denholme".

Bingley Rural Ward Officer Cath Gallimore responded by saying: "Not a happy Ward Officer hearing this news...will do all I can to update and reassure the village."

Neighbourhood Policing Team Sargeant for Bingley, Andy Rollett said he had attended the scene with CID & CSI.

He added: "We are doing all we can to identify suspects. We are supporting staff and reassuring residents.

"Please get in contact if you witnessed the incident or have information that may assist our investigation."

A West Yorkshire Police statement released this afternoon said: “Three males entered the store and threatened customers before entering the till area, taking cash and cigarettes.

The males, who were carrying axes, then left in a vehicle which went along Main Road towards Queensbury. 

Detective Inspector Mark Taylor, of Bradford District CID, said: "This must have been a frightening experience for all those in the shop at the time.

"We would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the store at around the time of the offence, as well as anyone who may have details of the vehicle which was used.

“Local officers will be carrying out increased patrols in the area.

"A wider investigation into the robbery offences which have occurred at Co-Op stores across the Bradford District between February and April is ongoing and three males aged 17, 17 and 19 have been arrested and released on bail in connection with these incidents.

"Enquiries are also continuing to establish if this most recent offence is linked."

Anyone who can assist with information is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13190206121, or use www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The aforementioned attack last month saw five men, armed with axes, steal money and cigarettes from the Co-Op.

Three female members of staff were left terrified after the men raided the shop at 8.30pm, according to a member of staff at the store.

Meanwhile, there were fears that the Co-Op store in Queensbury was robbed this lunchtime, but a police spokesman confirmed it was a shoplifting incident.

He said the two male suspects are believed to have entered the store on High Street at just after 12pm, swiping alcohol.