STAFF at a roadside restaurant have been left shaken after being threatened by armed robbers.

Wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons including a gun, two men entered a restaurant on the A19 in North Yorkshire and made the staff lie on the floor.

The robbers forced the cashier's till open and managed to escape from the scene, next to the north-bound carriageway, with some cash.

The incident was on Sunday at 8.40pm, at the Little Chef near Ingleby Arncliffe, north of the Cleveland Tontine.

Two female workers were threatened by the men, who were carrying a black handgun, a hammer and a knife.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said yesterday they were unhurt but shaken.

"There is little people can do when put in that kind of position," he said. "All we suggest is that you never put your life at risk.

"Fortunately, this type of attack is very rare in North Yorkshire."

The raiders, described as white and about 5ft 10in, used two possible cars, a silver saloon which went north and a blue Sierra.

Anyone who saw either of the cars or who has information is asked to call (01609) 789789.