BOSSES at a Coral bookmakers have praised quick-thinking members of the public following a raid on their Westcliff branch.

Shoppers saw two robbers burst into the bookies in London Road brandishing a samurai sword and an axe.

Police arrested one of the suspected robbers in Clifton Road, Southend, following the raid at 5pm on Monday.

Jon Seigel, area manager of Coral, believes a man was detained thanks to the prompt action of members of the public who saw the events unfold.

He said: “I want to thank the members of the public who noted the number of the getaway car and handed it over so quickly.”

It was a blue Ford Fiesta, and police arrested a 35-year-old man later seen driving it.

Mr Seigel said: “The staff affected were very shaken-up, despite the raid happening so quickly.

“They were threatened with what looked like a samurai sword and have been offered counselling, but it looks like they will recover very quickly.”

He said the raiders were in and out in “less than 30 seconds” and fled with less than £180. He also praised staff who followed company procedures to minimise the risk of injury.

The same shop suffered an attack on December 28, in which a man brandished a knife at a male employee.

Asked about improving security at the branch, Mr Seigel said: “We always review procedures after anything like this.”

Det Sgt Phil Butt, who is investigating the robbery, said: “This was a frightening attack for the members of staff and customers who were in the shop at the time.

“We want to hear from anyone who saw the men when they entered and left Coral’s or when they were in the car.”

A 35-year-old man has been released on police bail until August 24.