A shocked woman was punched in the face by a vicious armed robber who confronted staff at a Bradford pub.

The raider brandished what is thought to have been a handgun and demanded money before fleeing with around £500 in the robbery.

The suspect struck at the George IV pub in Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, near to the junction with Town Street, as two women were working there.

They were counting up takings when the man burst in. He was holding what appeared to be a small handgun and most of his face was covered.

Detective Sergeant Kelvin Lecomber, of Dewsbury CID, said the suspect demanded the money and then punched a 49-year-old woman in the face, before seizing the cash and fleeing on foot. The suspect is thought to have run off along Town Street and past Birkenshaw Liberal Club, in the direction of Allen Croft.

The woman was taken to Dewsbury District Hospital for treatment to minor injuries to her face, and shock, but was not detained.

Det Sgt Lecomber said it had been a shocking experience for the victims. He said: “The woman who was hit was particularly upset. She did not get a clear view of what the suspect was holding in his hand, but she believed it was a small handgun. It was a frightening ordeal for her and her colleague.”

Det Sgt Lecomber added: “It was a very serious incident and we urge anyone who has any information about who might be responsible to come forward.”

Pub landlady Sue Novak said: “It was a shocking experience for my staff and I would ask anyone who witnessed anything to contact the police.”

And Birkenshaw residents reacted with shock to the news.

Andrew Lee said: “Birkenshaw is normally a pretty safe place to be. I think the time it happened is the most shocking thing. You wouldn’t expect to be robbed in the afternoon.”

Hilary Charlston, who is a friend of landlady Sue Novak, said: “As soon as I found out I made sure she was alright.

“It is pretty unusual. Nothing like that has happened around here before. There have been shoplifters in the supermarket before but no one with a gun.”

Mark Anderson said: “I am surprised. It is fairly safe here. It is just a sign of the times I suppose.”

The suspect is described as a slightly-built white man in his early 20s. He was 5ft 4ins tall and wore a dark top and dark baseball cap and something covering his face, so that only his eyes were showing.

Anyone with information about the incident, which took place at about 2pm on Friday, should contact Det Sgt Lecomber, on (01924) 431105, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.