A TEENAGE robbery victim was tied up by the masked raiders who burst into his fast food restaurant wielding a crowbar and knife, detectives have revealed.

A TEENAGE robbery victim was tied up by the masked raiders who burst into his fast food restaurant wielding a crowbar and knife, detectives have revealed.

The 18-year-old, who was working alone in Newmarket's Kentucky Fried Chicken takeaway when the armed duo struck, raised the alarm after working himself free from the ties and contacting security, police said yesterday.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who may have seen the offenders “lurking” in the area at around 9.50am on Sunday - the time of the offence - to come forward.

The drama unfolded when the two men, both wearing ski masks, called at the rear door of the restaurant in High Street.

They forced their way into the store brandishing weapons and told the teenager, who lives locally, to open the safe before stealing cash.

“Fortunately the man was not injured in any way but was left shaken by the ordeal,” said Detective Constable Dan Connick, of Suffolk police.

“We will be working with him to offer him support and determine if he has any further information to assist us with our enquiries.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has any information relating to the offence. If you witnessed two men lurking around the area near the time of the offence or spotted anyone running from the scene, we would like to hear from you.

“We need to trace these offenders and would urge the public to come forward and help us by providing any information they may have.”

After the incident, the man freed his tied hands and called Rookery Security, who then alerted the police. It is not clear whether the raiders made their escape on foot or using a vehicle.

A spokesman for the police said officers were keeping an open mind as to whether the robbers had been watching the store prior to the attack to determine staff movements, and appealed for anyone who saw any suspicious activity to get in touch.

Officers have now issued descriptions of the men. Both were around 6ft tall and were wearing ski masks.

The robber carrying the crowbar has been described as having hazel eyes and thin lips. He was of big build and wore a jacket zipped up to the neck, gloves and dark shoes.

The second man, who was brandishing the knife, wore dark clothes and had blue eyes.

A spokesman for KFC said: “The safety of KFC staff is of highest importance and KFC is assisting the police with their enquiries.”

Anyone who has any information about the incident, or who saw the men prior to the raid, should contact Newmarket CID on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 5551111.