DETECTIVES are hunting robbers who threatened shop staff with a handgun and tied them up in a terrifying late-night raid.

The pair stole cash during the robbery at the store in Horton Road, Ashley Heath, at around 10.15pm on Thursday, February 24.

The staff members – a 49-year-old woman and 17-year-old male – were not injured. Police have not said how much money was stolen.

The shop was cordoned off following the attack, along with a section of path nearby, while investigators combed the scenes yesterday.

DS Dave Wise, of Ferndown CID, said: “The victims were closing the store when the two offenders forced entry – with one of the two men appearing to be in possession of a handgun.

“The members of staff were taken into the back office. Both of the victims were tied up, while the robbers stole money from the office.

“The offenders then fled on foot along the nearby Castleman Trailway.”

One robber is described as white and was wearing a beige coat with a light-coloured hooded top underneath. His face was covered.

The second was also white and wore black trousers, a black top and black trainers.

One neighbour told the Daily Echo that several police cars and a police dog van arrived on the scene on Thursday and the shop had been hit several times before.

“It’s a sitting target, they’ve got an ATM and the place is open all hours – what do you expect?

“There was an awful lot of rushing around and cars coming and going,” he said.

DS Wise added: “This robbery was extremely distressing for the two victims and I am determined to find the culprits.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 01202 222222 quoting incident number 24:523. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.