ARMED men stole thousands of pounds from a bookmakers in a night time raid. 

The incident took place at a William Hill branch in High Street, Dunmow.

The men broke into the shop through a locked shortly after 9.30pm last night and threatened a female staff member with a knife. 

Essex Police say both men wore balaclavas and were dressed in black and made off towards North Hill. 

The victim, aged in her 20s, was left shaken but was not hurt.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious or who may have seen the men getting in to a vehicle nearby.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.