Armed raid at betting shop (From The Bolton News)

8:00am Wednesday 31st December 2008

POLICE have issued an appeal to help catch an armed robber following a raid at a bookmakers.

The raider, armed with a gun, threatened staff before stealing cash from Coral bookmakers in Firs Lane, Leigh.

He pointed a gun at staff, who were behind a security screen at the counter, and demanded money.

The victims gave him the cash, which he stuffed into a carrier bag. Some of the notes fell on the floor as he ran out of the front door.

A customer chased the man along Firs Lane but gave up the chase after a short distance.

The man was white, in his late teens to early 20s, and was wearing a hooded top as well as a black scarf that covered his face.

The robber struck at around 6.45pm on Thursday, December 4 but police only issued details of the robbery yesterday.

Detective Constable Andy Whittle said: “Though nobody was injured, this was a very shocking experience for the victims.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the man running away from the bookmakers on that Thursday evening.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5307 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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