A terrified bookies shop assistant was forced to hand over cash during a knifepoint robbery.

The 48-year-old employee was not injured but was left badly shaken by the raid.

 

 

The assistant was alone behind the counter at the Coral Bookmakers, in Market Street, Thornton , Bradford, when two masked men burst in, clad in black balaclavas and black gloves. The pair went up to the counter and one of them brandished the knife making demands for money.

He took a small amount of cash from the till and handed it to the robbers who then fled.

The raid took place at about 10.15am on Sunday, and police are urgently appealing for witnesses.

Detectives said it had been a shocking and frightening experience for the assistant.

Acting Detective Inspector Stuart Lyons, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “This offence occurred early on Sunday. If anyone did see the two offenders, before or after the offence, they are likely to have stood out. I would ask that if anyone witnessed, or has knowledge of, the incident that they contact the police."

The two male suspects were wearing dark clothing and one had on a dark brown jacket.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Paul Maxwell, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.