Terrified shop staff were left shocked after being confronted by three knife-wielding masked robbers.

At just after 8.30pm on Wednesday, the Foreways shop, on Blackwell Road in Carlisle, was raided by men armed with what was believed to be a meat cleaver and several knives.

The robbers escaped with cigarettes, cash and wine.

One of the staff members affected, who did not want to be named, said: “I was just mopping the floor when they ran in with their masks on.

“At first I thought they were just messing about, but then I saw the weapons and realised it was really happening.

“It all happened so quickly, I was really worried a customer would walk in.

“I’m not going to be intimidated by people like this.

“The police arrived quickly and were a great help.”

Police subsequently arrested two men on suspicion of robbery, while a third arrest was made for assisting an offender.

At the time of going to press, the suspects were still being questioned by police.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or anyone with information to contact PC 2501 on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.