SHOCKED staff are recovering after an armed raider targeted a West Moors bookies with a meat cleaver.

The masked robber, who threatened staff, leapt over the counter and stole cash from a safe.

No-one was physically injured during the raid, which took place at Ladbrokes, Station Road, on Wednesday evening. However, detectives have described the robbery as a "distressing incident" for staff members.

Yesterday, Dorset Police confirmed an investigation into the robbery had been launched.

Aside from calling for witnesses, police also told the Echo that uniformed patrols were being stepped-up in the area while the hunt for the robber continued.

The same bookies was targeted in a similar raid in 2014, when a lone female worker was threatened with a knife.

On the latest incident, one local trader – who asked not to be named ­— said: "We didn't see anything at the time but we were well aware something was going on by all the police activity later on.

"This is a really quiet area, with a quiet parade of shops so to hear an armed robbery has taken place is worrying.

"We are hoping the police will catch whoever is responsible soon."

No-one at the bookies wished to comment when asked by the Echo.

The suspect is described as around five feet ten inches tall, of stocky build, and had blue fabric stretched over his face.

He was wearing a black hooded top, dark trousers and red gloves.

The armed robbery took place shortly before 8pm on Wednesday, January 16.

Witnesses or anyone who saw suspicious activity around the bookmakers around that time is being urged to call police on 101, quoting 55190008387.