TWO raiders wearing balaclavas robbed a betting shop in Astley Bridge in broad daylight.

They ran into Ladbrokes in Belmont Road at around 4.50pm yesterday and demanded money.

Witnesses said the pair waited for just minutes inside the branch before they escaped out of the door with a bag slung over one of their shoulders.

They were seen to jump on a motorcycle and ride away. It is understood they fled with £1,500 takings.

It is unclear if the criminals were armed and if any customers were in the store at the time of the incident but the paramedics were not called out suggesting no-one, including staff members, was injured.

The Bolton News:

Paul Bell, owner of nearby Ashley Electrical Supplies in Belmont Road, said: "There were three police cars blocking the lay-by.

"I thought somebody had been mugged.

"I had heard some screaming but I thought it was kids messing about outside."

A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "We can confirm that an incident took place this evening and we're assisting police."

Detectives are investigating the raid and more details will be released later.

  • Were you in Ladbrokes at the time or did you see the robbery? Call the newsdesk on 01204 537249.