THIS is the dramatic moment when armed robbers leapt over a betting shop counter during an armed raid.

The masked knife-wielding raiders were captured on CCTV as they carried out the robbery at the betting shop in Eastleigh.

The incident happened when two men wearing dark clothing and face coverings, entered Betfred on Shakespeare Road and confronted terrified staff.

According to Hampshire police they threatened the staff and stole around £600 in cash from a safe and tills before leaving the shop.

Now officers have launched an investigation and are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or saw two men acting suspiciously in the area at that time to come forward.

Detective Constable Steve Roman said: “This was a shocking incident which left members of staff considerably distressed and in fears for their safety. Further to this, a large quantity of cash was stolen, and we urgently want to identify the men responsible.

“Did you see what happened? Did you see two men with their faces covered and wearing dark clothing in the area around this time?

“Do you know who is responsible? Please get in touch.”

The incident at around 8.40pm on December 7, comes after a series of robberies alleged to have taken place in Southampton, Eastleigh and Rownhams in the past few weeks.

But a Hampshire Police spokesman said the incident in Eastleigh is not linked to the spate of armed robberies.

He added: “It’s not linked to the large spate across Southampton and Eastleigh. We will be carrying out a number of inquiries and we are taking it very seriously.”

Steve Sollitt, councillor for Eastleigh South ward, is now urging officers to step up patrols in the area.

He said: “I would like local police to find a way to improve their visibility in this area. I would like them to take reasonable steps to reassure the public and that would include more visibility. I understand they are under pressure because of cut to funding but safety comes first.”

Cllr Sollitt said it is quite rare similar incidents occur in Eastleigh and urged residents who saw anything to contact police.

“Eastleigh is a low-crime area but when something like this happens it causes concerns. The local council will work with police to see if there is anything that we could do. This is not a common incident in Eastleigh. I would encourage anyone with information to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.