Terror as gunmen hold up pub

Two men wearing balaclavas and carrying pistols, entered the hotel at around 10.20pm and crept up on a female member of staff, aged in her 20s.

Det Con Gary Baker, leading the investigation, told the Express: 'She was just leaving the office and was backing out the door when she saw the men coming down the corridor. They were both very calm and asked her to open the safe.'

The terrified woman complied and the robbers emptied the money into a rucksack and forced her out to the car park at the rear.

The woman was ordered to walk in the direction of the A259 while the raiders made their getaway on foot. One was believed to be in his late 30s, the other his early 20s.

DC Baker said it was a frightening experience for the woman. 'She was obviously emotionally upset but had not been harmed physically.'

A spokeswoman for the pub said the woman had been offered counselling. She added: 'Our first and foremost priority is our people, not our property, and we are pleased that no one was hurt.'

Readers who saw anyone behaving suspiciously near the inn at around 10.20pm on Sunday can call police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.