TWO members of staff at a Poole betting shop were threatened with a knife when a ‘brazen’ robber walked in and demanded cash.

The incident happened at around 7.30pm on Monday at Corals Bookmakers, towards the Branksome end of Ashley Road, Parkstone.

The man made off with cash, but the amount has not been revealed by the police.

Det Constable Paul Graham of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This robbery was extremely distressing for the two members of staff, who were fortunately not injured as a result of this brazen offence.

“The robber made off along an extremely busy road and will likely have passed a number of other convenience stores and restaurants that would have been open at this time in the evening.”

Officers carried out house-to-house inquiries in the Ashley Road area in the wake of the robbery, and are appealing for anyone who saw the slimly-built young man to ring on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The robber is described as white and around 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing jeans, gloves and a black Superdry jacket, but his face was covered.

Branksome West councillor Philip Eades said: “It’s clearly very worrying for local people that there are such individuals about. I would urge the police to do anything they can to solve the crime and catch those responsible.

“It’s rare in Ashley Road, which is why I hope anyone who knows anything can help the police.

“I fear it is a sign of the times. People are struggling, but there’s absolutely no excuse for behaving like this.

“Law-abiding members of the community doing their jobs shouldn’t be subjected to such behaviour. Everyone needs to stick together locally and find those responsible.

“This is not an unsafe area but perhaps the safer neighbourhood team need to look at the times they work and perhaps get a few more patrols during the early evening in Ashley Road.”

Sean Caldwell-Cook, who has lived in Ashley Road for 17 years, said: “It’s gone downhill. I’d heard nothing about the robbery but there are a lot of unsavoury characters around.”

Another resident, who has not yet spoken to the police, said she had seen three teenagers dressed in black outside at about 7.20pm. She is now checking to see whether she has CCTV footage of them.

Mark Hawkins of Xtreme Watersports said: “It’s a little bit worrying.”

One shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said: “There has been a spate of robberies in the area. The guitar shop got done last year.”

Another said: “It’s par for the course. Economic