A MAJOR police operation was underway today at the Inkerman pub in Norwich Road, Ipswich.

POLICE are today hunting armed raiders who broke into an Ipswich pub and tied up a member of staff.

Today The Inkerman pub in Norwich Road was taped off as investigators began their work to try to catch the offenders.

The terrifying incident took place at around 11.15pm yesterday.

One police car and a CCTV police car guarded the scene as passers-by made their way to work early this morning.

The drama happened at around 11.30pm yesterday, not long after the pub's closing time of 11pm.

It is believed the pub had held a pool event earlier that evening with a half gallon of beer being given to the winner.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “We are currently investigating a robbery at The Inkerman Public House on Norwich Road.

“We were called at 11.30 last night. Unknown offenders had entered the premises and they left with an undisclosed amount of cash.”

People who live near to the pub were unaware of the incident.

Joao Mando Mendonca who lives next door to the pub in Chevalier Street said: "I didn't hear anything.

“In the morning I saw something had happened when I opened the door and saw the police."

No-one was believed to be injured in the incident but Suffolk Police was unable to confirm as The Evening Star went to press whether the raiders were armed.

Landlords Peter Caley and Christian Ross took over the Inkerman in 2006 and were originally regulars at the pub before deciding to take it over.

The pair employed a landlord and bar staff to look after the revamped public house.

- Were you involved in the incident? Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk