ROBBERS were forced to flee empty handed after gutsy shop staff and members of the public thwarted a raid at a Wall Heath store this morning (Friday March 21).

Three masked offenders tried to grab cash from the Co-op in Albion Parade just after 10am – but they hadn’t banked on interference from brave onlookers.

Two of the offenders jumped over the post office counter and one jumped over the cashier’s desk and having emptied cash into a bucket they made a dash towards a waiting car.

But a member of the public attempted to block their path as they left – then a staff member managed to wrestle the bucket from their grasp , leaving them to flee empty-handed.

They escaped in a silver Ford Mondeo which was found abandoned in Blaze Park a short time later.

DC Mark Fletcher said: "We believe we are looking for four offenders, three black men and one white man. They may have left Blaze Park in another vehicle, details of which are unknown at this stage."

The brave member of the public who stepped in to help suffered slight bruising but is not thought to have sustained any other injuries.

Forensic experts have been examining the scene and the car for evidence - and detectives want to hear from anyone who witnessed the robbery but who may not yet have spoken to police.

People are asked to call DC Fletcher in Force CID on 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.