POLICE have released CCTV images of two masked men after they snatched cigarettes from a petrol station in Birkenhead.

Merseyside Police received a report that at around 9.40pm on Friday, January 25 two men had entered the Shell Petrol station on A41 New Chester Road.

The pair scrambled over the counter and pushed staff away before snatching cigarettes.

It is believed the duo came from an alleyway on Union Street which connects with Peel Avenue and ran back in that direction.

One of the men was wearing a red and yellow jacket, dark coloured jeans and Converse style green pumps while carrying a fast-food takeaway cycle pack.

The other was wearing a dark grey jacket, was wearing dark coloured jeans and dark Converse-style pumps.

Both of the men had their faces covered.

Detective inspector Laura Lamping said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of the petrol station that night who may have witnessed anything or any drivers in the area who may have captured something on dashcam to contact us as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.

“At least one of these men was wearing distinctive clothing and I am sure somebody must have seen them in the area around the petrol station or know their identities.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media on@MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 19100025798.