STAFF and customers were forced to the floor at gunpoint during an armed robbery at a Blackburn bookmakers.

Five customers and staff were told they would be shot if they did not co-operate with a masked raider, who burst in carrying a shotgun in a plastic bag.

The robbery took place at Coral Bookmakers, Dyson Street, off Infirmary Road, at 1.55pm yesterday and the raider ran off with £350.

Nobody was injured and staff raised the alarm after the robber fled.

A police spokesman said: "The police were at the scene within a few minutes and although they carried put an extensive search of the area the offender was not found.

"The premises were closed immediately so a crime scene could be set up and forensic samples taken.

"We have yet to find any witnesses who may have seen this man making off on foot from the scene and due to the serious nature of this crime we would urge anyone with any information to come forward.

"Obviously those who were in the bookmakers at the time are very shaken up after being threatened with this shotgun and we are keen to trace this man as soon as possible."

Residents in the area were not aware that there had been a robbery.

A young mum who asked not to be named, said: "I didn't see anything but I am not surprised. There has been a lot more police activity in the area recently."

The lone robber was wearing a woollen bob-hat and his face was covered with a red scarf.

He was around 5ft 8ins and of medium build. And at the time of the robbery he was wearing a three quarter length jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.