ARMED robbers clad in balaclavas and brandishing a knife stole a four figure sum from a betting shop, at the weekend. 

Just after 9.30pm last night, Saturday, October 22, two men broke in to William Hill via a locked front door and threatened the woman staff member inside with a knife.

Both wore balaclavas and were dressed in black. They stole a four-figure sum of cash and left in the direction of North Hill.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was left shaken but uninjured.

Police are keen 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.