POLICE in Dudley are appealing for witnesses after masked and armed men stole cash and assaulted a member of staff at a Black Country bookmakers this morning (Saturday).

The robbery took place between 8.30-8.50am at Coral Bookmakers in High Street, Lye.

Three men, described as white, wearing dark clothing and wearing masks or balaclavas, went into the shop and threatened the staff with a wooden bat and screwdrivers.

The men then assaulted a member of staff before stealing cash and escaping.

DC Chris Smith from Brierley Hill CID, said: “Three masked men went into the shop, two of them jumped over the counter and assaulted a member of staff demanding cash, before escaping on foot with money. One staff member has received treatment at the scene for head injuries.

“Local police are carrying out forensics and on-going enquiries at the scene and we are appealing for anyone who may have seen the robbery or anyone who may have information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call Brierley Hill CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.