CHARITY workers were held hostage as masked robbers armed with a Taser gun stole thousands of pounds of donations from their headquarters.

As reported yesterday, three men burst into Midlands Air Ambulance’s offices yesterday morning and threatened staff before taking bags of money. About 20 members of staff were held hostage for about half-an-hour before the robbers used a worker’s car to get away.

The incident happened at about 8.45am on the Enterprise Trading Estate, Brierley Hill, West Midlands.

Hanna Sebright, Midlands Air Ambulance charity director, said the raid was a “despicable act”. She said: “A number of staff were threatened during the ordeal so clearly they were quite traumatised.

“These men forced their way in then held staff hostage for half-an-hour. The money taken was all from public donations.

“I find it hard to comprehend that people would commit such a violent crime and steal money from a life-saving charity. Dedicated people have gone to great lengths to raise money for the charity, and it is appalling that it will be unable to be used for the purpose of keeping the air ambulances in the air. This despicable act could actually cost people’s lives.”

Detectives have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses. The stolen car was a grey Peugeot 308 and may have been seen leaving the area at about 9.15am.

The men are black, in their 20s and they wore scarves across their faces. Officers are currently studying CCTV footage.

Acting detective sergeant Chris Woodward, of West Midlands CID, said: “This is a serious and despicable crime.

“Staff had not long arrived at work when they were confronted with these men in the office. They were threatened by the men and had phones taken off them. The offenders then took money bags. As yet we do not have a definite amount that has been stolen. However, we believe the sum to be significant.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but all those involved were obviously upset and shaken by their ordeal. We are yet to recover the vehicle so would be interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen such a car dumped or parked suspiciously.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 0345 1135000.