Appeal After Bookies Raided

31 August 2011, 09:28

Detectives are releasing a CCTV image of a man they want to find after an armed robbery at a shop in Portsmouth.

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

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

They 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, which is still to be confirmed.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Huggett of Portsmouth CID said:  “Thankfully no-one was assaulted or injured during the robbery, but the women working in the shop are clearly upset and shaken by what happened. I would like to thank them for their co-operation and assistance so soon after such a frightening experience.

"Examination of CCTV from the shop has identified an image of a man police wish to trace. Anyone who recognises this man or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact police or the Crimestoppers charity if they wish to remain anonymous. Do not approach him directly as his behaviour may become unpredictable or dangerous if he is challenged by a member of the public.

"Officers would also still like to hear from anyone who was in the Arundel Street area at the time.”

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.