Two men stormed a mini-supermarket armed with an axe last night.

Police are investigating an armed robbery at Budgens in Abbots Langley High Street at around 9.20pm yesterday (Wednesday).

Hertfordshire Constabulary says two men entered the store carrying an axe and an object similar to a spanner.

One member of staff was threatened but they were not harmed physically.

The two men were able to steal cash from the till and cigarettes from behind the counter.

Police, including armed officers, were on the scene within minutes but the suspects were able to flee the area.

The first suspect is described as white, in his early twenties, of slim build and around 5ft 6in tall. The second suspect is described as white, in his early twenties and around 6ft 1in tall.

They both wore grey hoodies with the hoods up and had their faces covered.

Detective Sergeant Rob Muir, from the Three Rivers local crime unit, said: "This type of crime is very unusual in Abbots Langley and I want to reassure both the victims and residents that we’re doing all we can to trace those responsible.

"Officers attended within minutes of the 999 call and we are now carrying out extensive enquiries, but we are asking local residents to think back to last night and recall whether they saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Budgens.

"Were you walking or driving along the High Street at the time of the incident? Do you have a dash cam fitted to your vehicle? If so, we would be keen to see your footage.

"If you have any information you think may be useful but have not yet spoken to us, please get in touch quoting crime reference 41/109225/19."

You can email DS Muir robert.muir@herts.pnn.police.uk, report information online at www.herts.police.uk/report, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.