Police are appealing for information following a ram raid by masked armed robbers at a toy store in Kirkstall last night.
At 7.22pm on Sunday, police were called to the Smyths Toys store, at the Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park, in Bridge Road.
A silver/grey Ford Focus had been reversed through the glass front doors while the store was closed but staff were working inside.
Four masked men entered the store and one threatened a member of staff with a hammer before they stole a number of games consoles.
They loaded the items into the Ford Focus and a silver Kia that was parked outside, and drove off in both vehicles.
The focus was carrying the false registration YT04EBK, which is a legitimate plate for a different vehicle. Both vehicles used the offence have now been recovered in the Hyde Park and Gipton areas.
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said:
“This offence was clearly targeted at the games consoles which the store had been stocked with for Christmas.
“It was obviously a frightening experience for the members of staff involved and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the people responsible.
“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw either of the vehicles in the area.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who is aware of new games consoles being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances since this incident last night.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13180579545 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.