A masked gang armed with knives threatened staff at a Bradford bookmakers before fleeing with a “significant” amount of cash, police said.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the robbery, which happened at Ladbrokes, Beacon Road, Wibsey.

The men – at least two of whom were known to have been armed – demanded cash from staff before making off in the direction of Windmill Street.

Bradford South Detective Inspector Alan Flynn said no one was injured, but the suspects had displayed “extremely threatening behaviour” towards the staff.

“We know at least two of the suspects were in possession of knives of some description,” he said. “As with any incident of this nature, it is an extremely distressing situation for the cashiers involved and we are working closely with them as part of our enquiries.

“We do, however, require members of the public to contact us immediately if they have witnessed this offence occurring or can provide us with information which will enable us to identify the culprits.”

The first suspect was wearing a bandana and was believed to be about 19-years-old, 5ft 4ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a blue coat and a black hooded jumper.

Another suspect, also wearing a bandana, was described as being about 6ft 3ins tall, in his early twenties and wore a dark hooded top.

Two other men who stood near the entrance were both of large build and around 6ft tall and were wearing similar clothing to the other suspects.

Any witnesses to the robbery, which happened on Wednesday at 8.15pm, are asked to ring Bradford South CID on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on (0800) 555111.