TWO robbers armed with a hand gun and 10inch knife, and one wearing a mask made famous by the horror film Scream, threatened off-licence staff before escaping with a small amount of cash and cigarettes.

The raid on Thresher wine shop, Little Oxhey Lane, South Oxhey took place on Monday, July 15, at 9.50pm.

As the two men, said to be between the age of 17 and 20, ran out the door they dropped a pack of cigarettes whch was picked up by a member of the public.

It is not known if they made off on foot or a vehicle, or what direction they went after leaving the shop.

Police are particularly keen to speak to the member of the public who picked up the cigarettes because they could be a vital witness.

DC Greg Wade of the Western Area Crime Unit said: "I am appealing to anyone that saw any thing no matter how insignificant to contact me."

Police say both men were white. The one with the gun was wearing a navy blue balaclava and described as being between 5ft 7 to 5ft 8 inches tall, with dark brown hair and a healthy tan.

He was wearing a navy blue zipped hooded sports top, navy blue nylon track suit bottoms and white Adidas trainers.

The one with the knife wore the white Scream mask and is between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 8ins tall. He is of slim build and wore wearing a light grey hooded jumper and dark blue jeans.

Anyone with any information can contact DC Wade at Watford Police Station 01923 472433, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

July 18, 2002 15:30