A MAN was being quizzed by police last night in connection with an armed robbery at a betting shop in Ipswich.

Officers were called to Betfred, in Felixstowe Road, at about 4.15pm yesterday following reports that two men had threatened staff with a knife before making off with cash.

It is understood the men were wearing scarves around their faces during the incident bu nobody was hurt.

A spokesman for Suffolk police told The Star last night that a man had been detained by officers in connection with the incident but searches for a second suspect were ongoing.

People living in the area said they were shocked when they saw police cars and vans descending on the premises, which is on the junction with Hatfield Road.

One homeowner, who asked to remain nameless, said: “I had just pulled up on the drive and I thought the bank might have been raided.

“I have not heard of anything like this before. “With a young family, it is not nice knowing that something like that has happened – it’s a bit disconcerting.”

Another neighbour added: “I was coming up the road and I saw all these police cars going around.

“We saw police go into the bookies but I didn’t realise it was an armed robbery.

“Things like that don’t happen down here. We had our garage broken into last year but other than silly and petty things, there has been nothing like that.”

Police said that two suspects were heading in the direction of Levington Road after leaving the shop.

Officers are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on 101 with information.