A KNIFE was held to the throat of an assistant at a bookmaker's shop by armed robbers who escaped with £2,500 takings. The woman and a colleague were bound hand and foot with their own neck scarves and plastic, ratchet-type “cable” ties.

Two men tricked their way into the premises of William Hill in Arlington Square, Margate, at 6m on Sunday, just before closing time, by returning for a fleece they had left earlier.

One of the men, who was of Eastern European appearance, held an inch-wide blade to the neck of one of the women. The second man then came into the branch and went behind the counter and struck the other woman in the face, knocking her to the floor.

Both women were then tied up as the robbers removed cash from the tills and a safe. A mobile telephone, a wrist watch and £100 in personal cash was also taken. The alarm was raised when one of the women managed to free herself after 15 minutes.

The knifeman is beyween 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, in his mid-30s, of unkempt appearance with dark, shoulder-length hair. He was wearing a grey top and khaki trousers. The second man was only seen from the back and was of medium build. One of the men had a star tattoo on his earlobe.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Merv Marsh on 01843 222025.