ARMED raiders burst into a betting shop and punched a customer before robbing staff at knifepoint.

One man in the Ladbrokes branch in London Road, Benfleet, was left with a cut to his eyebrow while traumatised staff have been sent for counselling.

The robbers made off towards Church Road at about 7pm on Monday, having snatched cash, thought to be about £1,000.

A worker in a nearby shop, who asked not to be named, said: “I saw a police car arrive last night and there was an ambulance parked in the bus stop.

“It’s scary because at the time it happened there were places still open opposite and they obviously didn’t care who saw them.

“Knives just seem to be everywhere these days, this is a nice little area it just seems like it can happen anywhere.”

It is understood that staff handed over cash after one customer was assaulted. They have been given time off to recover from the trauma.

A 59-year-old man was treated by medics but his injuries were not serious.

A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “We can confirm there was a robbery and are assisting police with their investigation. “

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Two men armed with knives entered Ladbrokes in London Road at about 7pm on Monday, June 26.

“They punched a customer in the face and demanded money from staff. The suspects stole cash before leaving the shop and running off down Lambeth Road. They were seen to reach the junction with Church Road but it is not known which direction they then took.”

The men were described as about 6ft 1ins tall, aged between 17 and 20 and of stocky build, one of them of slightly smaller build.

One was described as black and had braided hair. The other was described as white. They both wore dark clothes and gloves and had their faces covered.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage should contact Det Con Robert Hoy at Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.