DETECTIVES have released CCTV images showing the moments five men - three of whom were wearing white forensic-style suits - robbed a bookmakers.

The pictures (right) show members of the gang, with their faces covered by hoods and scarves, inside Ladbrokes bookmakers, on Windy Arbor Road, Whiston.

They struck at about 8.40pm on Tuesday August 14, 2007, escaping with £430 in cash and a mobile phone.

Police, who have launched an appeal for information, say one of the men was armed with a "sharp" weapon.

Three of the robbers were dressed in white paper suits, clothing commonly used by police during forensic searches in order not leave evidence at crime scenes.

The other two crooks were all in black.

The images show how an elderly customer was inside the bookies as the gang confronted cashiers.

A Merseyside Police statement read: "The men left the shop and drove away in a white panel van with the registration number R569 PER and a small red coloured vehicle towards Lickers Lane.

"The white van was later found abandoned and burnt out on Lickers Lane, Whiston."

Anyone with any information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Knowsley CID on 0151 777 6570 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.