Detectives have released this new image of a robbery suspect who threatened to ignite petrol during terrifying raids on bookmakers’ shops and a post office in Bradford.

The masked raider struck three times within a week, on each occasion threatening to set light to petrol and demanding money.

Police had released a CCTV image of the robber, following the first incident at the William Hill betting shop in Manchester Road, Bradford, on Thursday, December 5, but his face was hidden by a hood and scarf.

The new photo, captured on CCTV at another bookmaker’s two days after the offences, clearly shows the man’s face.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Bradford District CID, said: “This image was acquired following a call from a betting shop in Little Horton Lane, after a staff member became aware of a man acting suspiciously in the shop.

"We are very keen to trace this man, as we believe he might have vital information on the robbery and the attempted robberies.”

The first incident happened at about 9.40pm on Thursday, December 5, when a man walked into the William Hill shop in Manchester Road. He handed a note to a cashier which made demands for money.

He then poured a small amount of petrol on the counter and pulled out a lighter, at which point the cashier handed over £320 in cash and he left the shop.

The second incident took place at the post office in Manchester Road, Wibsey Bank, at 4.55pm on Tuesday, December 10.

Again, a hooded man made threats to light petrol if money was not handed over. The man fled empty-handed after staff pressed a panic button.

The following evening, at about 9pm, the man went up to the counter at Ladbrokes bookmaker’s in Beacon Road.

He held up a blue carrier bag and a note demanding money and threatening to set petrol alight.

The cashier pressed the panic alarm and fled into the back room. The man left without stealing anything.

He is described as white and of average height and build. In the first incident he was wearing a distinctive hound’s tooth checked scarf, black and grey jumper and grey hooded top.

Anyone who recognises the man, or has information on any of the incidents, is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.