Staff Threatened In Bookies Armed Robbery

20 June 2011, 16:42 | Updated: 20 June 2011, 16:44

Detectives in Bedford are appealing for witnesses and information following an armed robbery at Corals Racing in Tavistock Street.

It happened at 8.50am on Friday (June 17th) as a female member of staff opened up the shop.

The robber, who had been hanging around outside prior to the robbery, followed her inside before threatening her with a knife and demanded she open the safe.

The victim, fearing for her own safety, handed over cash in a bag before the he left the shop via the back door which opens into Queen Street.

She was not harmed during the robbery but left feeling very shaken.

The offender is described as a white man, middle aged and of scruffy appearance. He wore a white T-shirt, tracksuit trousers and a floppy brimmed 'fisherman' style hat. He also had a number of sticking plasters on his face.

Police were called and immediately carried out an area search but could not locate the offender.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the offender or has information should contact Bedford CID on 01234 275339 or the main switchboard on 01234 841212, text to 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.