A WOMAN was left terrified after being manhandled by a gunman. Her ordeal happened at bookmakers Parsons & Co in Grove Road, Hitchin, where she is the manager. A man wearing a balaclava and carrying a handgun went in. He demanded money from the 59-year-ol

A WOMAN was left terrified after being manhandled by a gunman.

Her ordeal happened at bookmakers Parsons & Co in Grove Road, Hitchin, where she is the manager.

A man wearing a balaclava and carrying a handgun went in.

He demanded money from the 59-year-old manager from Hitchin, then kicked the door down into the staff area and pushed her to the ground, forcing her to lie on her front.

He then took an amount of money, as well as the manager's handbag, and fled in an unknown direction.

Pc Toni Hall, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the store manager who was left extremely shaken. Thankfully she was not physically injured and the firearm was not discharged.

"We are appealing to anyone who has information about this incident to contact us. It was a busy time of the day and someone would have seen this man making off down Grove Road."

The robbery happened around 11.45am on Friday, January 20.

The offender is described as white, aged in his 30s, very thin with greying hair. He was wearing a black balaclava, black ribbed jumper and a dark pair of jeans.

Police would also like to speak with a man who entered the store just before the incident, who was dressed similarly to the offender, without the balaclava but with a grey old fashioned three quarter length anorak.

Any witnesses or people with information about the crime are asked to ring Pc Hall on 01438 757030. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.