BOSSES of a betting shop have today praised staff for handing over cash when confronted by armed robbers.

Managers at Ladbrokes bookmakers praised the workers for their actions – and for not risking their lives following the armed robbery in Undercliff Road.

The shop was open for business as usual yesterday.

Richard Royal, public affairs manager at Ladbrokes, said: “Our instructions to our staff in these sort of circumstances are to comply with the demands because the safety of our staff and customers comes first.”

He said it would have been a frightening incident for staff but they would be offered trauma counselling to help them deal with the robbery.

It is the second time the betting shop in Undercliff Road West has had an armed robbery in just seven weeks.

In mid-September staff were faced with a man brandishing a knife and were forced to hand over takings. A man has been arrested and questioned in connection with the raid and is currently on bail.

This time, two men – one carrying a shotgun – threatened staff on Tuesday at around 7.25pm and escaped with a quantity of cash.

Both wore scarves covering their faces but staff said the suspects were black males.

One of the men, who was holding a gun, is further described as wearing blue jeans and a grey jumper. A white scarf covered his face and he also wore dark trainers.

The second suspect was between 5ft 9ins and 6ft. He was of medium build and wore a black waterproof jacket, black trainers and black trousers.

The men left the area on foot towards the nearby Lidl store.

Police said no one was hurt in the incident, which lasted just a few minutes.

Anyone who saw the men is asked to call Ds Andrew Smethurst on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.