Detectives in Lowestoft are investigating an armed robbery at a town centre bookmakers last night.

Witnesses are being sought after a man suffered 'a deep laceration' to his face during the armed robbery at the Betfred shop at about 8.25pm last night.

A woman entered the bookmakers on London Road North and asked a staff member a question about a gaming machine.

A police spokesman said: 'The male staff member left the counter and walked over to the woman to assist her. As he approached her she pulled out a large knife and pointed it at him.

'The man ran from her and the woman chased after him, the man fell to the floor and the woman assaulted him with the knife causing a deep laceration to his face.'

Two customers who had been in the bookmakers left the shop and one made an attempt to call the police. A man, who had been standing outside the bookmakers at the time, snatched the mobile from him, and stopped him from making the call.

The police spokesman added: 'The woman inside the shop grabbed a small quantity of cash from the counter and made off. The woman and man who had been standing outside the shop ran from the scene in the direction of Clapham Road South.'

The shop worker was initially taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston but was later transferred to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.

The police spokesman added: 'We immediately attended the area and carried out extensive searches but were unable to trace the man and woman.'

The woman is white, of large build, short in stature 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, and wore dark clothing.

The police spokesman added; 'Inquires are continuing today and police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw these two people either prior to, or after the robbery took place, or from anyone who may recognise them from their descriptions.'

? Information should be directed to Lowestoft CID on 101 quoting LO/14/5316 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.