Eight members of staff at a Croydon cash and carry are believed to have been held hostage during an armed raid at the premises last week.

Out of the eight, three workers were assaulted during the armed robbery at Booker Cash and Carry on Purley Way, shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday last week.

Two men are said to have entered the premises just as staff were leaving for the day.

It is not clear exactly what happened during the raid but a spokesman for Booker revealed that three members of staff involved were assaulted and that they are all now receiving counselling, provided by the company.

A spokesman for Booker also revealed that police had yet to take statements from the victims, five days after the incident.

A Croydon police spokesman said: "We can confirm police are currently investigating a commercial robbery which occurred at around 8.30pm on January 31 at Booker Cash and Carry in Purley Way, Croydon, whereby two suspects entered the store as staff were about to leave the premises demanding money from the safe."

Police described the suspects as two black men, both between 6ft and 6ft 2ins tall and wearing dark clothing.

They were said to have taken a "substantial" amount of money - although the total has not been revealed - before leaving in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, free and anonymously.

Croydon CID is investigating but no arrests have been made.