A BALACLAVA-CLAD raider threatened a female member of staff with a knife before fleeing with cash from a bookmakers in Christchurch on Thursday night.

The dramatic robbery took place at the Stan James bookmakers on Barrack Road in Christchurch just before 8pm.

Armed police officers were quickly on the scene and have been carrying out a thorough search of the area. Police remained in the vicinity overnight.

A Dorset police spokesman told the Echo: “A man entered the betting shop and threatened a female member of staff with a knife, stealing a quantity of cash.

“After taking the money, the man ran from the scene towards Jumpers Road.

“The offender is described as a white man in his 30s, roughly 5ft 8in in height and of medium build. He spoke with an English accent and was wearing a dark grey hooded coat, dark jeans, black scarf and balaclava.

“Police, including armed officers, searched the area and will remain there overnight to respond to any sightings.

“If anyone saw a man matching the description in the area or knows someone who was wearing similar clothing and acting suspiciously later in the night, they are asked to call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 373 of 5 March. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

“One other man was in the bookmakers at the time and would have witnessed the robbery. Police are keen to find him and would ask him to call us to help the investigation.”