It’s business as usual - that was the pledge from an Ipswich pub today after a female member of staff was robbed by two balaclava-clad men in the car park.

The woman was said to be “shaken up” by the raid, which took place outside The Thrasher in Nacton Road at 9.45am yesterday.

The victim was in her car when one of the men got into the vehicle and grabbed a bag containing cash.

The pair then ran off towards the McDonald’s restaurant in the neighbouring Ravenswood estate.

A spokesman for Greene King, the owner of the pub, said: “Although shaken up by the incident we can confirm that the staff involved were completely unhurt and that the pub remains open for business as usual. Police are investigating.”

One of the men was described as being of mixed race, of medium build, between 5ft 11ins and 6ft tall and in his early 20s.

The second man was described as white, shorter than the first man and also in his early 20s – both men were wearing black clothes and balaclavas.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: “Police searched the area immediately and are in the process of obtaining and checking CCTV.”

The robbery has shocked people in the area.

Bill Quinton, Priory Heath borough councillor, said: “That’s very sad news.

“Let’s hope the victim is OK and the police have success in finding the people responsible.”

Mayor John Le Grys, also a Priory Heath councillor, added: “Robberies like this tend to be either opportunistic or they are well planned.

“We have got two very large areas bordering Ravenswood and they both do a huge amount of business, and they will be a temptation.”

If you witnessed the incident, contact Suffolk police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

? Is crime a concern in your area? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk