AN ARMED menace who held up a bookmakers in Walkden is thought to have carried out three other heists across Salford and Cheshire the same day.

It is believed to be the second in a string of robberies committed yesterday by the same man.

By coincidence a balaclava-clad tracksuited thief brandishing a pump-action shotgun robbed a cash box from a Loomis security van driver making a delivery to ASDA in Leigh this morning, in a crime that is not being connected.

The handgun-wielding man who struck across Salford and Cheshire yesterday began shortly after 4.10pm when he entered the Santander bank in The Mall, Eccles.

He pointed the gun at the staff member and tried to jump over the counter but the Perspex screen collapsed and he fled. 

At about 4.30pm a man of a similar description went into William Hill in Walkden Road, Walkden, threatened staff with a handgun and tried to get into the till area before fleeing. 

Police think the same man went into Betfred in Common Lane in Culcheth, Warrington, at about 6.10pm and threatened staff with a handgun and escaped with cash. 

The last of the spree happened at 7.30pm when a man went into Betfred in Liverpool Road, Cadishead, and threatened staff with a handgun, before stealing cash and fleeing. 

Detective Sergeant Karl Dalton of Salford division said: “I understand people who live in these areas will be concerned and I want to assure you that we are doing all we can to catch the man. 

“Fortunately, no-one was hurt but this man is brazenly threatening people with a gun and he must be stopped. 

“We would ask that if anyone was in the area at the time and remembers seeing a man matching the description that they contact police.” 

The man is described as 6ft, of slim build and was wearing a blue parka coat with a fur hood and a black face covering. 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8361 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.