FARMFOODS staff were seen "chasing" a man today after an "armed robbery" in broad daylight at their store.

West Yorkshire Police was called to reports of an armed robbery at the Farmfoods shop in Harrogate Road, Greengates, at 11.37am today.

A spokesperson for the force said: "A male entered the store, believed to be armed with a weapon, and demanded cash from the till."

Robbie Mellors, who works at the Subway on New Line, claims the suspect got away with £400 and was chased by two female staff members.

He said: "I just heard from my friend that they took £400 and he had a gun.

"I work at the Subway next door, and I saw all the armed police."

Mr Mellors added that there were two armed units, police dogs and two other police cars at the scene.

A resident, who lives nearby and wish to remain anonymous, said she saw a man running up her street, who was being chased by two members of staff from Farmfoods and someone else.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

This was between 12.05pm and 12.20pm.

She added: "He ran past my house and down the snicket towards the park at Greengates.

"He was closely followed by two of the staff from Farmfoods, who were giving chase along with another member of the public but they stopped mid my street.

"The park is well hidden, but unfortunately is often used (along with the snicket) as a quick exit route for shoplifters from Sainsburys and Farmfoods.

"They can be away from Harrogate Road and onto Old Park Road really quickly."

Enquiries are ongoing and two police cars were stationed outside the store at around 1.30pm.

The store in appears to be closed, according to a passer-by.

They said there are no lights on inside and there is nobody wandering around.

They added that at around 1.40pm some customers tried to get into the store but were unable to do so.

Farmfoods has declined to comment.

Police have issued an appeal following the armed robbery.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, should contact officers via 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote log number: 0590 of March 23.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111.