THREE hooded men armed with 12-inch bread knives robbed a bookmakers in High Wycombe last Monday.

One of the robbers pinned a customer into a corner, held the knife against his neck and demanded his mobile phone.

The second man stood guard by the front door while the third entered the shop's office and cornered the manager, demanding he opened the safe.

The robbery, at Taylor's bookmakers in Brindley Avenue, Downley, took place minutes after the shop opened at 10am, and the gang got away with £3,800.

No one was hurt, although the shop manager sustained a cut to his finger after one of the robbers shoved him into the toilet cubicle.

The assistant manager, who did not want to be named, said: "There was an almighty crash and three hooded males came storming through the door. It was all over in about two or three minutes.

"Of course I was scared to see them come flying through the door. You've just got to let them take it especially when you've got a customer in the back with a knife at his throat."

The incident was the first robbery at the shop. Another member of staff added: "We're all friends with the customers it's that kind of shop. It's a real villagey place."

Detective Constable Damian Eatwell, investigating, said: "The fact that they have got such large knives, I think it is quite a nasty one to be honest.

"It's quite fortunate no one got seriously hurt."

Any witnesses to the robbery or anyone who may have seen the men leaving the shop is asked to contact DC Eatwell at High Wycombe CID on 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 A 27-year-old man and a 22-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery. They have been released on police bail until June 2, pending further enquiries