THE licensee of a Redditch pub was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when he was ordered to hand over the contents of his safe by a masked raider wielding a sawn-off shotgun.

The incident happened at about 1.30am on Sunday at Brodies Wine Bar on Evesham Road, Headless Cross.

The licensee was walking his dog, a long-haired Alsatian, outside the bar when he was approached by a man wearing a balaclava and armed with a single barrelled sawn-off shotgun.

The attacker told the licensee to go into the building and empty the contents of the safe into a bank bag, which he had brought with him.

The robber then left through the front door and turned left along Evesham Road, towards Crabbs Cross.

He was thought to have been heading in the direction of Guiness Close.

The victim was not hurt in the attack but the entire contents of the safe - described as a large quantity of cash - was taken.

DS Gary Rowe, of Redditch CID, said: "This was a very serious offence involving a firearm.

"Fortunately, no-one sustained any injuries.

"We are appealing for anyone with information as to who the offender is, or who was in the area at the time of the incident, to call us.

"All calls will be treated with the strictest of confidence."

Police also want to trace the driver of a white taxi which was seen near Guiness Close at the time of the robbery.

The owner of the bar has offered a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker.

The owner, who does not want to be named, said she was horrified at what had happened.

The attacker is believed to be a white man and about 6ft tall.

He was wearing a black balaclava and a dark bomber-style jacket.

Anyone with information can call Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.