Police Seek Bookies Robbery Witness

2 September 2011, 06:00

Police are releasing a CCTV image of a possible witness to an armed robbery in Portsmouth.

Officers were called at around 8.30am on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 to Ladbrokes in Arundel Street.

A man gone into the shop minutes earlier and demanded money from two members of staff while carrying what appeared to be a knife.

Staff handed over money from a safe before the robber locked them in a room inside the shop while he left with a quantity of money. No-one was assaulted or injured during the robbery, but the women working in the shop were shaken by what happened.

An investigation by detectives from Portsmouth CID is continuing.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: 
“Further examination of CCTV footage this week has identified a potential witness. A man was seen walking past Ladbrokes in Arundel Street at around 8.30am on Tuesday (August 30) when the robbery took place. He is not suspected of any crime, but we believe he would have seen whoever was responsible, and could have information that is important to our enquiries.

"This man or any other witnesses who was in the Arundel Street area at around 8.30am on Tuesday morning (August 30, 2011) are asked to contact the police as soon as possible. Officers are grateful to everyone in the community who has helped with the investigation so far.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Fratton Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.