Staff at Middleton bookmakers threatened by armed robbers

Two men wearing ski masks and carrying a weapon threatened to attack the staff as they robbed William Hill bookmakers on Boarshaw Road in Middleton.

The men stole a substantial amount of cash and personal items from the bookmakers at about 9.20pm on Saturday 18 January 2014.

Having gone into the store and wedged the door open so they could then escape quickly, they confronted the two members of staff who were working behind the counter.

They threatened to attack the staff if they were not given cash and, believing they would be hurt, the staff reluctantly gave them a substantial amount of cash.

The two men then fled, stealing other personal items including a mobile phone and car keys.

The first man was described as being white, about 6ft 2in tall, of a slim to average build and wearing a grey hooded top with the hood pulled up, as well as the ski mask. The second was also white, of a similar build and wearing a dark coloured tracksuit and a ski mask.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Claire Ramsden said: "This was a brazen robbery carried out by two men who were determined to get their hands on some cash and were prepared to use the threat of violence to frighten the staff on duty into giving it to them.

"For many people, it would be unimaginable to face such violence in your place of work and members of staff who work at bookmakers should not be subjected to such intimidation either.

"We need to find these men and bring them to justice, and at least give the victim's some peace of mind knowing these criminals are behind bars.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward. If you either saw the two men going into or out of the store, or you suspect you know who may be involved, then please come forward."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.