STAFF at an off-licence are today being offered counselling, after an armed robbery.Two men entered the Victoria Wine off licence in Norwich Road, Ipswich at 3.

STAFF at an off-licence are today being offered counselling, after an armed robbery.

Two men entered the Victoria Wine off licence in Norwich Road, Ipswich at 3.50pm on Thursday , and threatened staff at the shop and demanded money.

The raiders were armed, but it is not yet known what they were carrying as a weapon.

A quantity of money and cigarettes were stolen in the incident but no one was believed to be hurt.

The manager of the shop has declined to comment.

A police spokesman said: "Two males entered the store, threatened staff and demanded money from the till. They fled the scene with a quantity of money and some cigarettes."

It is not the first time there has been a robbery at this location.

On January 9, 2003 the store manager was assaulted after refusing to open the safe.

Previously, on June 10, 2002 the Bramford Road branch of Victoria Wine was the scene of an armed robbery.

Thresher Group runs Victoria Wine, and a spokeswoman said today: "Our dedicated security team is currently working closely with the local police to resolve this issue, and we are offering support to staff through our Critical Incident Support team.

"Staff safety is of paramount importance to us and we employ a range of in-store security features to attempt to deter retail crime."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, is asked to contact Ipswich Police on 01473 613500.