Brave bookie sees off knife raider

A BOOKMAKER was threatened at knifepoint by a man who pretended he wanted a job.

The raider brandished a six-inch knife and demanded money at Betfred, Coalshaw Green Road, Chadderton.

But he fled when the manager, who was alone at time, used a chair to defend himself.

The incident happened at about 6pm on Monday. About two hours earlier the attacker had looked around the shop and asked for an application form.

The attacker, who fled empty-handed, was black, in his late 20s to early 30s, stocky and about 5ft 11in tall.

He was wearing a navy hooded top, navy tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Det Cons Mark Tiffany from Oldham CID said: “The man we are looking for was clearly canvassing the bookmakers earlier in the day before he decided to try and rob the place at knifepoint.

“Luckily, the manager picked up a chair and was prepared to defend himself, which was enough to cause the man to panic and flee without getting his hands on any money.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen this man loitering in the area to come forward.”

People with information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8955 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.