'Fresh faced' armed robber strikes at betting shop (From St Helens Star)

'Fresh faced' armed robber strikes at Betfred in Rainhill

1:20pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By St Helens Star newsdesk

THESE terrifying images capture the moment a knife wielding robber terrorised staff and customers in a betting shop.

Detectives have released CCTV of the armed robbery at Betfred in Dane Court, Rainhill, of the hooded offender vaulting over a counter, armed with a long knife.

The 29-year-old female manager was working behind the counter at the time, while her 27-year-old colleague was tidying up.

Wearing a black jacket, with a peaked hood zipped up, the man grabbed bank notes from one of the tills before running out of the shop in the direction of Weaver Avenue.

No one was hurt during the robbery and no threats were made.

It is believed he was wearing a scarf or balaclava over his face during the robbery, but may have removed it as he fled the scene. He was also wearing black tracksuit bottoms.

A witness described him as having short, fair hair and a ‘fresh face’.

Detectives are appealing for any passers-by or motorists who were in the area at the time of the robbery on Thursday, August 23 at 7pm and may have seen the offender running away to contact them.

They are particularly keen to trace a man seen in Dane Court immediately after the robbery, who is described as being taller than the offender and who may have information important to the investigation. Detective Constable Roy Waller from St Helens CID, said: "This was an awful incident for the staff and their customers to witness. A masked man has gone in armed with a large, curved knife and helped himself to a significant amount of cash from one of the tills. The manager and her colleague have been left terrified, although thankfully they were not hurt.

"We are pursuing several lines of enquiry and I would appeal to anyone who was in or near Dane Court last Thursday night at 7pm who saw anyone acting suspiciously to please call us.

"We cannot discount that this offender may have been working with a second person so I would urge residents and motorists passing by Betfred to think back in case they can remember anything significant which could help us catch them."

Call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6842 or leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.