A police officer stands guard at the entrance to the Co-op store.

Officers are currently in attendance at the Co-operative store in Caterham following an armed robbery at the location earlier this morning (Friday, 24 January).

Three masked raiders forced members of staff to open the safe before making off with the contents from the store on Croydon Road at around 6.30am.

The offenders were all dressed in dark clothing, wore balaclavas and were carrying weapons, believed to be hammers. No-one was hurt in the incident and an investigation is underway.

A number of enquiries are being carried out in the local area including house-to-house and anyone who has information on this offence or who has seen anything suspicious in the area is urged to approach an officer and share this information with them.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Simon Gray, said: "This was a terrifying incident for those involved and we are doing all we can to find those responsible as quickly as possible, therefore I would urge anyone with information which may connect to contact us as a matter of urgency.

"Offenders who commit crimes like these quite often visit the area beforehand, and therefore may have recently been in the vicinity of the offence acting suspiciously, so I would ask anyone who has seen anything suspicious to share this information with police.

"Sometimes, for whatever reason, people may wish to provide information anonymously and this can be done through the independent charity Crimestoppers who can be contacted on 0800 555 111.”

Uniformed officers from the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team are assisting Detectives from East Surrey CID at the scene.

If you have information on this offence please contact Surrey Police urgently on 101 (999 in an emergency) quoting reference P14022354. If you would like to provide information anonymously the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.