RAIDERS punched a member of staff before robbing Ellesmere Port's Mecca Bingo hall.

Three masked raiders burst into the foyer immediately after two elderly customers had walked in on Sunday evening.

Detective Inspector Steve Gould, head of Ellesmere Port CID, said:'One of the men jumped over the counter and began struggling with a male member of staff who was punched several times in the face, sustaining cuts and abrasions.

'They stole a drawer containing cash.'

He added: 'The violence used on the member of staff, especially when two pensioners and his colleague were present, was horrendous.

'We want to hear from anyone who was in the area and who might have seen these men.

The raiders wore balaclavas, were white and aged 18-25. The first was 5ft 10 or 11, medium or stocky and dressed in a long-sleeved dark sweatshirt.

The second was 6ft 1or 2ins tall, skinny or medium build and wore a lime green, long-sleeved top.

The third o was between 5ft 10 and 11ins and dressed in a zip-up navy blue tracksuit top with red sleeves from the elbow to the wrists.

- Ellesmere Port CID can be contacted on 01244 613033, or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.