Police are warning staff at fast-food outlets in Bradford to be on their guard for an armed gang who have carried out a series of terrifying raids across the North of England.

The robbers have struck several times at Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with the latest incident happening in Bradford.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Telegraph & Argus, three masked men used a sledgehammer to smash their way through a side door of the KFC in Harrogate Road, Greengates, just after 11.30pm on Sunday.

One of them guarded the door while his accomplices threatened the six male members of staff with the sledgehammer and a crowbar.

They forced the manager to open the safe and hand over a substantial amount of cash before fleeing towards the nearby Sainsbury's car park.

The staff members were not physically hurt but were extremely shocked.

The gang has now struck at least seven times since Decem-ber, each time targeting KFC restaurants.

Local robberies have taken place at KFCs in:

l Dewsbury on Wednesday, December 29

l Glasshoughton, near Castle-ford, four days later

l Colton in Leeds on Monday, February 28

l Bankfoot Way, Birstall, on Thursday, March 10. On that occasion a group of men forced entry to the premises and confronted staff before stealing a quantity of cash and leaving the scene in a red BMW 3 series car.

The gang have also carried out raids at Blackpool and Fleet-wood in Lancashire.

A reward has been offered for their capture.

Detective Inspector Gerry O'Shea, of Bradford North CID, who is investigating the Green-gates robbery, said police were studying the links between the late-night raids. He said: "The offences are very similar, invol-ving masked men forcing their way with sledgehammers into premises closing late at night.

"We are warning staff at such outlets to be on their guard. They are not afraid to use sledgehammers to smash their way in. It is a frightening experience for the staff. These men are clearly dangerous.

"We want people at these establishments to be aware of the possibility of them becoming a victim. They should ensure only small amounts of cash are kept on the premises.

"If they need crime-prevention advice they can contact their local police station."

He said police particularly wanted to hear from anybody who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area before or after the robbery, or who saw a vehicle parked suspiciously or making off from the scene.

A spokesman for KFC said: "The safety of our staff and customers is of the highest importance. We are assisting the police with their inquiries."

Call police on (01274) 376259 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.