Hammer raiders attack bookie

A FAMILY-RUN Failsworth bookie was raided by two masked men armed with hammers.

It happened at Bob Johnson bookmakers, in Partington Street, as Neil Johnson, son of owner Bob Johnson, was locking up.

The 37-year-old, who was the only member of staff on duty, was preparing to close up when he spotted the two running towards the premises.

Fearing for his safety, he tried to run out of the front door but was wrestled to the ground by one of the raiders.

He was hit over the head with a weapon, believed to be a hammer, before the second man kicked him in the face. No money was stolen.

The first raider was white, around 6ft 2in tall with a stocky build. He wore grey tracksuit bottoms, a grey hooded top, with black trainers and a black balaclava.

The second was around 5ft 2ins tall, with a slim build. He wore dark clothing and a black balaclava.

Neil’s sister, shop manager Andrea Johnson (35), said the family believed the offenders had previously attempted to gain entry in the past few weeks.

She urged any witnesses to come forward, saying: “It’s very distressing — we’re a small independent and we don’t know why we’ve been targeted rather than bigger outlets.

“We have a sophisticated security system inside the store and will be boosting security on the outside.”

Det-Sgt Tim Taylor, from Oldham CID, said: “This is a serious attack on an innocent member of the public earning an honest living.

“Fortunately we have dedicated teams in the Greater Manchester Police trained to deal with these kind of crimes and we will not stop until these men are brought to justice.

“We do need the public’s help though, if we are to gather information that can help us identify the offenders.

“Please get in touch as soon as possible if you think you know anything that could help.”

The independent bookmakers, which also has a branch in Manchester Street, hit the headlines in the Evening Chronicle in December, last year, after paying out £200,000 to one lucky punter who won a bet on the Irish lottery.

If you have any information about the raid, at 7.30pm on Saturday, contact Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.