6:30am Thursday 18th March 2010
THIS is the moment a hooded thug launched a terrifying attack on a bookmakers.
The robber, armed with a hammer, threatened to smash his way through security screening at the Prestwich bookies unless staff co-operated.
Officers from Bury CID are investigating the incident which happened at the Middleton Road branch of William Hill bookmakers shortly before 9pm on March 8 and confronted three staff.
The man threatened to use the hammer to smash a plastic shield above the tills and attack them unless they let him behind the counter.
Terrified, the staff did as they were told and the man helped himself to hundreds of pounds in cash. After a few seconds of grabbing the shop’s takings, the offender darted towards the door.
But he was so desperate to up his haul that he began attacking a roulette machine in a bid to steal coins from it.
Eventually, he gave up and left.
No customers were in the shop at the time of the robbery, but police believe the man might have been spotted by people outside.
Witnesses described the man as white, 6ft 2ins tall and aged between 25 and 30.
They said he was slim with broad shoulders. He was wearing a grey scarf and a dark hooded top.
Det Insp Lynne Vernon, of Bury CID, said: “This man terrified the members of staff, though thankfully nobody was hurt.
“Since this incident we have conducted a number of inquiries to trace the offender and now we believe that members of the public can help us identify him.
“The fact that he tried to get coins on his way out shows how desperate he was for cash. We have noticed that his top has a colourful pattern on it and would stick out in a crowd.
“Perhaps someone recognises it as belonging to a person who fits this man’s description. We would urge anyone who recognises the man in the image to get in touch with us.”
William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “We are aware of this incident and are doing everything we can to fully cooperate with police.”
Call Bury CID on 0161 856 8210 with information.
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