Four men have been arrested after a gang with masks and hoods tried to rob an EE shop in Kilburn.

The men targeted the EE shop in Kilburn High Road on Tuesday (November 19) at 5.25pm, as they threatened staff to open the safes containing mobile phones.

Two of the suspects detained staff and customers on the shop floor while the remaining two forced a staff member to open the store room.

As the phones were being put into a bag, officers swooped in and stopped four suspects before they could flee.

The group, aged 24, 27, 28 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The robbery in EEThe robbery in EE (Image: Met Police)

They were taken to a police station where they remain in custody.

Police have been working with EE to tackle a recent increase in high value commercial robberies at stores across the capital.

In total eight males who were linked to 10 robberies and one attempted robbery have been arrested and charged.

Detective Inspector Nikki Owen, from Flying Squad West, said: “Robbery involves theft by use of force. Whilst the industry is left counting the financial losses, the repercussions have a deep and lasting impact on victims and witnesses.

“We will continue to work closely with our communities, partners and industry leads to prevent and disrupt crime. I am pleased to see that joint working is having a positive impact and shows our dedication to rebuilding public trust and confidence.”

Alex Towers, director of policy and public affairs at BT Group, said: “We want to do everything we can to protect the safety of our customers and employees.

"We take advanced security measures to make sure EE stores are welcoming spaces for everyone and we will continue to work with the police to prevent criminal activity there”.