ARMED robbers were chased and arrested by plain clothes police after a gang held shop staff at gun point.

The incident happened last night at McColl’s general store in Holmlands Drive, Prenton, at around 9.15pm when three men threatened staff with a knife and hand gun.

They demanded cash and got away with money and cigarettes.

But a team of plain clothes officers nearby, who were there as part of an undercover operation following a recent string of robberies, spotted the men and chased them on foot.

Two of the men were arrested a short distance away while a third was apprehended a short time later.

A gun, knife, cigarettes and cash were also recovered.

Although uninjured, workers at the store were left “very shaken” following their ordeal.

Police say all three men remain in custody and are being questioned in relation to several robberies at Wirral stores.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 5699 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.