The two suspects during the robbery at Shoreditch Food and Wine. Photo: Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating an armed robbery at a Hackney convenience store have released CCTV images of the suspects in the hope that they may be identified.

The Finchley Flying Squad have made the pictures public as part of their investigation into the incident, which happened in Shoreditch in February.

Police were called to Shoreditch Food and Wine at 43 Hackney Road, E2, at 02:10 on the morning of 17 February.

They heard that a man entered the shop with a firearm, threatened staff and demanded money.

A second man then came into the shop and took money from the till. Both men then escaped the scene on a motorbike. No shots were fired and nobody was injured.

The two wore helmets throughout the robbery.

The first suspect is described as black, wearing a black puffa-style jacket, blue jeans, black gloves and a black helmet, and carrying a black self-loading pistol.

The second suspect is described as black, wearing a blue puffa-style jacket, blue jeans, black gloves and a black and silver ‘Ariel’ helmet.

It is believed that the crime may be connected to another armed convenience store raid in Green Lanes, Haringey, a short while earlier, during which a shop worker was shot in the neck.

DC Dawn Bolitho, of Finchley Flying Squad, said: “The victim of the initial robbery was extremely lucky to escape with his life after being shot in the neck at close range.”

“The willingness of the suspects to use violence as a means to an end illustrates their callous nature and makes it imperative we identify them and hold them responsible for their actions.”

“I would urgently appeal to any witnesses of either incident or anyone who believes they may recognise the individuals in the images to contact police.”

If you have any information, you can call Finchley Flying Squad on 020 8358 1751 – or, for anonymity, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.