A group of armed robbers have been jailed after they burst into businesses, including an estate agency, and threatened members of staff in a series of attacks across the West Midlands.

CCTV footage shows the moments the group burst into shops, arcades and an estate agent while wielding hammers, knives and an axe.

Staff members were forced to the ground or were even held hostage during a series of raids between November 2022 and June 2023.

The gang were recorded intimidating their victims while demanding money before making away with thousands of pounds in stolen vehicles.

Aaron Day, aged 36, of Rowley Regis; Liam Bell, 28, of West Bromwich, Jordell Duquesney, 26, of Halesowen, and Richard Gray, 42, of Birmingham, all admitted conspiracy to rob and have been locked behind bars for a total of 54 years.

After pleading guilty, Duquesney and Bell were each jailed for 14 years and Gray was jailed for 12 years and nine months.

Watch footage from the gang’s spree, and their arrests:

DC John Marsh, from the Major Crime Proactive Unit, said: “This was an appalling series of robberies, with violence used and threatened against people going about their business.

“The CCTV shows how weapons were brandished and people were held hostage and marched around and as the gang stole from businesses around the region.

“It’s had a lasting impact on these victims, who were left terrified but thankfully not seriously injured.

“This was a major investigation incorporating a whole host of techniques, which has resulted in these dangerous men being behind bars today.”