A MASKED duo - one carrying a hammer - tried to rob pub employees in Ellesmere Port as they locked up on New Year's Eve.

At around 12.05am on Monday, December 31, staff were leaving The Gunners Arms on Thornton Road via the back door when they were accosted by two men.

The thugs attempted to usher them back into the pub but the staff members managed to run away to the car park at the rear of the premises.

The offenders then fled on mountain bikes towards Croft Court.

They were both said to be wearing dark clothing including hooded jackets with the hoods up.

One of the men, who spoke with a local accent, is described as around six feet tall with a large build. He was wearing black cotton gloves and was carrying a black shoulder bag.

The other man was slightly shorter and had a slimmer build.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with information that may help their investigation to come forward.

They also want to hear from anyone who believes they may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the offenders.

Detective Constable Kevin Hole said: “This was a terrifying incident for the members of staff that has understandably left them shaken up.

“We are determined to catch the offenders and make them face the consequences of their actions and I urge anyone with information that may aid our ongoing investigation to get in touch.

“If you were in the area around the time the incident occurred and witnessed anything that may be of help please come forward.

“The same goes for anyone who believes they may know who the offenders are or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them.”

Anyone with information that may help detectives with their investigation, no matter how small, should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 282665, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To submit dashcam footage go online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.