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A gang which carried out brutal robberies at 24-hour gaming arcades have been jailed. 

Ilford teenagers Ashley Samuel, 18, of Granville Road, Yayha Ahmed, 19, of Blackthorne Road, and Mohamed Sayid, 19, of Grantham Road, were each sentenced to eight years and four months at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday. 

The trio hired taxis to drive them to seven arcades, where they committed nine robberies and stole £27,000 between April and July last year. 

Wearing face coverings, they threatened staff with kitchen knives and sharpened screwdrivers before tying them up with duct tape.  

According to a 28-year-old employee at Cashino in East Ham, Sayid repeatedly tried to stab him in the chest with a screwdriver, despite complying with every request. 

He also suffered severe swelling after being punched in the back of the head during the raid on May 30.  

The employee said: "During this robbery I feared for my life like I have never feared before. 

"All I could see in front of my face was my baby boy's face. 

"He is only four months old and I am here to protect him and look after him throughout his life. 

"The three suspects that committed this robbery got the key for the safe but continued attacking me and tried to stab me. 

"They did not care about my life. This robbery has left me feeling a very nervous man and I am not sure if I will ever get over it."

They targeted City Slots Amusements in High Road, Ilford, three times on April 7, May 8, and July 16. 

Other amusements robbed were Quicksilver Amusements in High Road, Ilford, Silvertime Amusements in Kilburn, Cashino Amusements in High Street North, East Ham, Quicksilver Amusements on Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, Cashino in High Road, Wood Green, and Cashino in East Street, Barking. 

All three teenagers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Snaresbrook Crown Court on December 5. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Brad Weston, said: "These men were brutal and violent in their pursuit of money.

"One of the victims narrowly escaped being stabbed. It does not bear thinking about how this might have ended had they succeeded.

"Fortunately, none of the victims were seriously injured, although they have all suffered the mental and emotional after-effects of their horrendous experience. 

"Many of the victims are suffering from flashbacks or depression and finding it very hard to return to any kind of normal life."