Staff at a Clayhall betting shop have raised security concerns after a colleague working alone was threatened at gunpoint during a robbery last week.

Two men got away with cash believed to amount to £3,000 during the raid on Ladbrokes, in Clayhall Avenue.

A nearby newsagent and convenience store were also open as men robbed the shop but said they heard nothing until police raced to the scene.

No one was injured in the attack, at 10pm on Monday, April 29, but the victim is not believed to have returned to work.

A shop employee, who did not want to be named, said staffing at the bookmakers’ had been doubled since the robbery.

She added: “He wasn’t hurt but it’s not physical hurt is it – he hasn’t been at work since.

“There was only one guy on. It’s not fair.

“It’s so quiet around here at night and you don’t really feel safe.”

Targeted

The robbers swooped around closing time, when staff usually cash up.

Ladbrokes branches have recently been targeted by armed robbers around the country, including in Leicester, Plymouth and Bedfordshire.

But a Ladbrokes spokesman said regular risk assessments are carried out in the chain’s branches.

He added: “Following any incidents of this kind we automatically increase staff levels and undertake a full security review.

“All Ladbrokes shops are supported by a 24/7 security team, including a number of former police officers who have instant access to CCTV in all shops.”

Staff also have access to panic alarms and magnetic locks. No arrests have been made.

Police have not confirmed whether the incident was linked to a foiled armed robbery attempt in High Street, Wanstead yesterday.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad are investigating.

Call 020 8358 1753 with information.