Three masked men robbed a filling station before setting it alight.

The attackers drove up to Spaldwick Service Station on the A14 near Huntingdon, which was open but the entrance was locked, and broke in using an axe.

They asked a male member of staff, who was on his own, to show them where the safe was before stealing cash from the safe, alcohol, cigarettes and a slushy machine.

They then covered the rear of the store in an unknown fluid and set it alight.

Det Sgt Sarah Sleaford, who is investigating, said a burnt out Honda 4x4 was discovered in Corby, Northamptonshire, at about 5am the same day.

She said: “We suspect this may have been the vehicle used in the crime so I would appeal for anyone who saw this vehicle before or after the crime to contact police.

“This was a terrifying experience for the member of staff at the filling station, which was destroyed by the fire. I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact me.”

The culprits were seen on the westbound carriageway in a dark Honda 4X4 vehicle at about 3.30am on Monday August 3.

The member of staff was not injured but left shaken and upset.

Cambridgeshire Fire Service sent crews from Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Sawtry and St Neots to the fire at the petrol filling station in High Street, Spaldwick.

“The main building was well alight and heavy smoke was issuing. The forecourt was not affected and fuel pumps were isolated.

“Twelve firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and jets to extinguish the fire and positive pressure ventilation fans to clear smoke,” a spokesman said.

The fire was extinguished by 7.25am and the cause of the fire was deliberate.

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Sleaford on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.