Armed robbers threatened staff at Leeds petrol station before members of public stepped in

It happened at 8.38pm last night at the Esso station on Wetherby Road.

Two men threatened staff with a knife before taking cash and filling a builders sack with cigarettes.

As they left the store, they were challenged by two members of the public and had to leave the sack of cigarettes.

The left the scene in a Ford Focus that was recovered a short time later in Redmire View, Seacroft.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “This was obviously a frightening experience for the staff and members of the public involved.

"While we never encourage people to put themselves at risk, we should recognise the efforts of those who intervened and tried to stop them.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries into this incident and would like to hear from anyone with any information that could assist the investigation, particularly anyone who witnessed the robbery or who saw the suspects abandoning the Ford Focus in Redmire View.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200150762 or online via the LiveChat.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.