Armed Raids Using Crossbow

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after staff at two betting shops in Ramsgate were threatened with a crossbow.

The first raid happened at the Coral bookmaker's in Grange Road just before 7.50pm on Tuesday 9 April. A man wearing black clothes, a balaclava and gloves and carrying a crossbow demanded cash before leaving with a quantity of money.

Three days later, on Friday, 12 April, at around 7.30pm, two men entered the Coral betting shop in Newington Road. One of the offenders was armed with a crossbow while a second man was armed with a mallet.

They threatened staff and customers before fleeing with a quantity of cash. As they left, the man with the mallet sprayed a noxious liquid over the counter at staff. This hit their chests and the fumes went into their eyes.

Police investigating the robberies are urging anyone with information to come forward. In particular, they would like help with identifying the man shown in a CCTV image.

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact Kent Police by calling 101 quoting crime reference number ZY/10187/13. Alternatively, they can call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.