BALACLAVA-CLAD armed burglars have smashed their way into a garden machinery shop in the Forest of Dean, making off with around £10,000 worth of stock.

The four men, armed with bats, travelled in two dark-coloured pick-up trucks, Gloucestershire Police said, before raiding the shop in Blakeney, south of Cinderford.

The raid at Dean Mowers in High Street happened in the early hours of the morning and as well as the £10,000 worth of hedge trimmers, garden trimmers and chainsaws, damage was also caused to the shop.

RELATED NEWS:

Police said the goods are mainly Stihl branded and bright orange.

Hereford Times: Damage was caused and stock taken after armed burglars raided Dean Mowers in Blakeney. Picture: Gloucestershire PoliceDamage was caused and stock taken after armed burglars raided Dean Mowers in Blakeney. Picture: Gloucestershire Police (Image: Gloucestershire Police)

Officers attended the scene but the offenders had fled after the raid at around 2.30am on Wednesday, September 21.

Police think the burglars turned right into Cinderford Road, and that one of the pick-ups was a black Mitsubishi. 

OTHER NEWS:

Anyone who has any information which could assist the ongoing investigation, or anyone who has seen these items offered for sale, is asked to contact police online, quoting incident 34 of September 21. 

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers and you may be eligible for a reward of up to £1,000.

You can call 0800 555 111 or report information online