Betting shop staff in Stoke Newington were threatened by a man who told them he had a gun.
Police were called to William Hill in Dunsmure Road, at around 7.30pm on Saturday following reports of an armed robbery.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed a man threatened staff at the bookmakers and said he had a gun.
However, no weapon was seen or found.
Police also said the man acted alone and left after threatening cashiers in the William Hill shop.
No arrests have been made and enquries are ongoing.
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