TWO men were threatened during a robbery at Ardrossan’s Alpine Stores on Monday morning (August 13).

Three men entered flat above the Dalry Road store around 2.40am and threatened a 30-year-old and 18-year-old with weapons, before breaking into the shop and stealing cigarettes.

Store owner Abrer Ahmad told the Herald: “They used a ladder and entered my home through the toilet window.

“After that my friends were asleep in a room and they put a knife on their throat. One of them was a 6ft guy. He then went and took a hammer from my room.

“They went down and booted in the door to my store and stole money from the till and fags. Then they ran from here with masks on.”

The first man is described as 6ft, slim, with a Scottish accent and wearing a black mask and dark clothing.

The second is described as around 5ft 8 and stocky.

Detective Constable Nicola Fraser said: “Although nobody was injured this was a terrifying attack for the two men who were within the flat above the shop where the goods were stolen. Officers have been checking CCTV and making door to door enquiries. We are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. We would also ask anyone who has been offered cigarettes for sale in the area to contact police.”

Anyone with any information should contact Saltcoats CID on 101, quoting incident 0341 of Monday 13 August.