MASKED men ordered customers out of a fish and chip shop before they threatened staff and doused the takeaway in petrol last night.

Police said three men, who had their faces covered, entered Big Ben’s chippy in Burnham at 6.40pm on Monday and ordered the customers to get out.

They then threatened staff and poured accelerant on the floor and shop counter which they claimed they would set alight.

But the men left the chip shop – on the corner of Lent Rise Road and Eastfield Road in Burnham – without carrying out their threat.

Det Con Gareth Nicholson said: “We do not believe this was a random attack, but it has obviously left the staff very shocked and upset.

“It was also probably scary for the customers who were in the shop when these men came in.

“We would urge anyone who was in the shop at the time or who was near the shop and saw anyone acting suspiciously to please get in touch with us as a matter of urgency.”

Police said the three men were described as black or Asian. One of the men was significantly taller than the other two.

Two of the men wore dark clothing with the third male dressed in a lighter coloured jacket with the hood up, officers said.

Contact police on the 101 enquiry line with any information or, alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.