KNIFE wielding men in masks burst into a Vale pub and robbed staff and customers before escaping with cash and mobile phones.

The terrifying incident took place at the Round of Gras in Bretforton Road, Badsey, sometime between 11.30pm and midnight last Sunday.

Four men, with their faces covered, stormed into the pub through the unlocked door and threatened six customers and one staff member with violence unless they handed over cash and valuables.

Landlord Graham Brown said: “We were closing up for the evening when four blokes ran in waving weapons - one of them had a big knife.

“They told everyone to empty their pockets and asked the member of staff to open the safe, which they did. It’s shaken us all - staff and customers - we have never seen anything like this before.

“We have got the incident on CCTV and have been helping police with their enquiries. We won’t let it affect us, it will be business as usual, we’re just glad nobody was injured.”

Police confirmed no one was hurt in the raid and that the four men made off with an unknown amount of cash and two mobile phones.

Det Sgt Kate Stevens said: “The men were only in the pub for a couple of minutes and no one was injured.

“Incidents such as this are rare and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area or around the pub in the time leading up to or following the robbery.”

House to house enquiries have taken place in the area and CCTV footage is currently being viewed by officers.

Neighbour Angela Southern said: “We were really shocked to think that something like this could happen round here. This is a low crime area and we have always felt quite safe up until now. This is the kind of thing you normally hear about in inner cities.”

Anyone with any information about the armed robbery has been urged to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 813/S/290511, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.