A man was attacked with a knife last night as a woman robbed a Lowestoft bookmakers.

It happened last night at around 8.25pm when the offender entered the shop in London Road North believed to be run by Betfred.

She asked a member of staff for help with a gambling machine and when he came out from behind the counter she pulled out a large knife.

As the man went to run away he fell to the floor where he was attacked by the woman with the knife which caused a deep cut to his face.

Two customers left the shop and one tried to call the police, but a man outside snatched the phone from him.

Meanwhile the woman took some cash from the shop and ran off with this man towards Clapham Road South.

The employee who was attacked was first taken to the James Paget Hospital and later transferred to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

A police search was unable to trace either the man or the woman and they are now appealing for information which could help find or identify them.

The woman is described as white, of large build, short in stature and wearing a beige baseball cap, dark coloured hooded top, jeans and trainers.

The man is described as being of oriental appearance in his mid 20s, wearing dark clothing.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw these two people either before or after the robbery, or from anyone who may recognise them from their descriptions.

Calls should be made to Lowestoft CID on 101 quoting LO/14/5316 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Betfred spokesman said: “The safety of our staff and customers is paramount and we are working with the police.”