POLICE have revealed a baby was present when masked robbers, armed with machetes and a hammer, held up staff at a Bradford takeaway.

The robbers escaped with money after forcing staff at the China Rose (pictured) in Great Horton Road, Great Horton, to lie on the floor.

After taking money from the till, two of the men ordered the woman owner of the premises upstairs to the residential part of the property, where other money was being stored, while the third man kept guard downstairs.

The armed men entered a room, where the owner's one-year-old baby and its grandmother were asleep, and the owner handed over the cash from the room.

PC Clare Moran, of Bradford District CID, said the baby woke while the robbers were present and began screaming hysterically.

PC Moran said: "It was a prolonged and frightening incident."

The robbery happened at about 11pm, on Sunday, March 27, half an hour before the Chinese takeaway was due to close. There were no customers in the shop at the time, but three members of staff and the owner were present when the gang entered by the back door.

PC Moran said: "They told everyone to get on the ground, and demanded to know where the till was. After targeting the till, they told the owner to take them to the rest of the money."

Police are asking any witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact PC Moran, on (01274) 376443, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.