Shocked staff today told how armed robbers burst into their Bradford shop and fired a shot into the air.

Stunned employees and the owner of MJM Estate and Finance in Toller Lane were threatened with a handgun and forced to lie face down on the floor.

Two men wearing balaclavas entered the mortgage company on the roundabout joining Toller Lane and Duckworth Lane at 11.45am yesterday.

They pointed the gun at company associate Vijay Bansal before firing a shot at the ceiling. Forcing him onto the ground, they then rifled through his pockets, taking £150 in cash and his watch. But they handed back a ring from his finger when he pleaded it was a gift from his wife.

The robbers then demanded cash from the safe.

Owner Muddassar Shah, 60, who has run the business for four years, said everyone was more shocked than scared.

"It's never happened before because we don't keep a lot of money here," he said. "I'm surprised they came into the shop.

"We were just checking the post and making some phone calls when we saw the men. They came in the office straightaway, put the gun towards Vijay and then shot at the ceiling. I thought it was a replica at first.

"One said, 'You won't get hurt if you do as I tell you' and got the other two down on the floor.

"The other man came round to me and asked where the safe key was. I said there was nothing in it and he said if I found anything, I would be hurt.

"He pushed me from the back under the desk. Thank God we are okay - the money is nothing."

Trainee secretary Shabana Ahmed, 19, who joined the company ten days ago, said: "I thought this only happened on TV.

"I thought it was a joke when they told me to get down on the floor - one of them was laughing. I was shocked and didn't really know what was happening."

The robbers stole £1,000 worth of clients' fees from the safe and ran off towards Whitby Road.

Both men were described as being Asian in appearance.

One was described as 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins tall and of medium to heavy build. The second was of a similar height and had a medium build.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call DC Richard Baildon at Bradford North CID on (01274) 376072.