TWO armed robbers struck at a bookmakers just hours after the Grand National.

A man and a woman burst into Ladbrokes in Belmont Road, Astley Bridge, at about 9.40pm on Saturday.

The following night there was a second raid on a bookies—at Betfred in Halliwell Road, Halliwell.

In the Ladbrokes raid, the man ran towards the counter, while the woman stood at the door brandishing a hammer.

He jumped over the counter and demanded money before fleeing with about £700. Police are examining CCTV footage from the shop in a bid to catch the raiders.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is always being done over. There have been about six break-ins in the last four years.”

Another resident added: “There are quite a few bookies in this area and it was very busy on Saturday for the Grand National. I did think there was a chance something like this would happen.” A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: “Such incidents are always distressing for those involved, but our staff are very well trained for such situations and this ensured that they remained safe and unharmed.

“We have first class CCTV imagery which is being used alongside other leads to assist the police with their inquiries.”

Burglars broke into a Betfred in Halliwell Road, Halliwell, between 9.30pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday and stole a safe containing cash. They got in through the back of the shop.

● Police are investigating both raids. Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 8562161 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.