A gun has been brandished during a robbery at a BP service station on the A14 near Newmarket early this morning.

The incident began at about 12.30am when two men entered the petrol station on the A14 westbound carriageway at Rowley Mile.

One of them threatened the cashier with a gun and the other sprayed a customer with an unknown liquid. Neither was injured.

The two robbers got away with a small amount of cash and ran across the forecourt, over a fence towards Newmarket heath and racecourse.

Suffolk police say officers attended the scene and searches were conducted with the police helicopter and specialist police dogs. Enquiries are continuing today with witness statements being taken and CCTV footage being viewed.

The first man, who held what appeared to be a small handgun, is described as around 6ft tall, of medium build wearing a hooded top, blue jeans, blue and white shoes a balaclava and gloves.

The other man, who sprayed the customer, was slightly shorter, he wore a black hat with a scarf around his face, a black padded jacket, dark trousers, trainers and gloves.

Anyone who was in the area and saw any suspicious activity, or has information about the incident is asked to call Bury St Edmunds CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.