Man, 83, tackles bet shop robber

WANTED . . . betting shop gunman who hit a pensioner with the butt of the weapon

A BRAVE pensioner was attacked by this gun-wielding robber when he tackled him in a betting shop.

The 83-year-old was hit on the head with the butt of a gun when he tried to stop the thug at Coral Bookmakers, Huddersfield Road.

Around 10 customers were in the shop on a Saturday afternoon when the man pulled out a handgun, pointed it at a terrified cashier and demanded money.

The pensioner tried to stop him fleeing with some cash and was not seriously injured. The drama happened at about 3.40pm on August 16. Det Cons Colette Kelleher, of Oldham CID, said: “This was a shocking and terrifying incident for the people in the betting shop.

“It is fortunate nobody was more seriously injured, but the robbery did leave staff and customers extremely shaken. The CCTV image shows a very clear picture of this robber. It is vital he is caught and I would urge anyone who recognises him to call us.” People with information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.