ROBBERS wearing balaclavas are being hunted by police after stealing cash from a bookmakers and striking a cashier with a hammer.

Coral bookmakers in Stevenage High Street was targeted by two men at about 9.20pm on Sunday who demanded cash from two female cashiers.

One of the women handed over money from the till but when the other refused, she was hit on her left arm with a weapon believed to be a hammer.

The two members of staff were able to lock themselves in a back room as the offenders made off with cash in the direction of Basils Road.

A police description said the first man was wearing a dark hooded top and a full black balaclava, and the second had a dark top on with a balaclava or scarf covering his face. Both are believed to be about 5ft 10in tall.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area prior to or shortly after the incident took place to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency,” said detective sergeant Stuart Murrell.

“Any information you may have, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, could greatly assist our investigation.”

You can call the police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.