Police hunt for betting shop gunmen

POLICE are appealing for help in capturing two men who raided a Shaw bookmakers at gunpoint.

The pair, armed with handguns burst into Coral bookmakers in Beal Lane at around 9.25pm on Saturday.

One went to the counter, banged on the glass and demanded money.

As the cashier began to empty the till, one gunman smashed the glass panel with the gun and went behind the desk to grab a quantity of cash.

The second gunman kept watch while his accomplice stole the money and the pair then fled into a waiting silver Vauxhall Astra.

The car, which had the registration number BK55 WLH and a furry pink dice hanging from the rear view mirror, was being driven by a woman.

No one was injured during the incident but the staff were left badly shaken.

Detectives in Oldham are appealing to anyone who has information about the robbery to come forward.

Det Cons Vicki Tait said: “To be confronted by two men brandishing guns must be a truly frightening experience and I doubt many people can even imagine how scary it must have been.

“If anyone does have information that will help find these men and give the victims some peace of mind, please call us.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, of medium build and wearing a grey scarf tied around his face with large tinted sunglasses. He was also wearing a black jacket, black trousers and black trainers.

His accomplice was also white, about 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build and wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing.

Anyone with information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.