A GANG of burglars who take a baby on their raids have struck at a shop in Worcester.

Police believe the group - described as being of Eastern European appearance - are responsible for other distraction burglaries in Worcestershire and further afield.

The gang struck at the shop in Tolladine Road at about 12.30pm on Wednesday, June 13.

The group of one man and five women, one with a baby, stole cash before driving off in a car.

"While the man kept the shopkeeper talking, it would appear that the women made their way into the private quarters of the shop and stole a quantity of cash," said a police spokeswoman.

"They drove off towards Warndon and possibly onwards to the motorway, in a red Vauxhall Cavalier."

Police are linking the incident to a report that a group fitting this description attempted to distract the post office assistant in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, at about noon on the same day.

There was also a similar incident on Saturday, June 9, when a group of two men and three women, one with a baby, entered the post office in Pendock, near Tewkesbury, at 2.30pm.

While the group, also described as being of Eastern European appearance, kept the assistant talking, one woman went behind the counter and stole "a large amount" of cash.

Police believe the group may also be responsible for other distraction burglaries in Shropshire and Herefordshire, based on the description and the method.

Investigating officer PC Andy Simkins said he wanted to hear from anyone with information.

Anyone who can help should contact the police on 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.