MASKED men armed with machetes took part in an armed robbery during which a motorbike was stolen.

The robbery happened on St Andrews Road in Pershore at around 5.30pm as police appeal for witnesses to come forward. 

The victim had arranged to meet someone to buy his Huskavana SC250 pit bike.

While unloading the bike from his trailer one man and four people wearing balaclavas threatened him with machetes before one of them stole the bike.

The other three fled the scene in a gold/brown coloured car, heading towards Pershore Abbey.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We responded immediately with a significant number of officers including armed officers and specialist units from the roads policing team and our local patrols.  An investigation is now underway, led by detectives and digital forensics officers."

Officers are appealing for anybody who may have seen the incident, who may have CCTV footage from the area, doorbell footage or have any information that would help with enquiries to contact DC Cleaves by email lewis.cleaves@westmercia.police.uk or by calling 101 using extension 7742050.  

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk