Two women were set on by thugs who threatened them with a pole, and stole money and spirits, from the shop as they closed up last night.

The thieves stuck at Cambridge Wines in Cambridge Street, Hillfields, about 10.30pm.

A police spokesman said:

“A 45-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were closing the security shutters at the wine shop when two offenders burst in and chased the women to the counter area demanding money.

“They snatched the wooden pole, used to close the shutters, and demanded money again

“The woman’s husband, who was in the shop, was told to lie on the floor and the offenders snatched money from the till and bottles of spirits before escaping.”

The men are described as Asian and aged 19 or 20 - one with a white scarf and hooded black anorak, and the other with a black scarf and a black hooded raincoat.

They got away with £100 cash and three bottles of spirits worth £36. Any witnesses should call police on 024 7653 9079.