Gun terror at bookies

Witness appeal after raid by armed gang

TERRIFIED staff at a betting shop were threatened at gunpoint during a robbery.

A gang of three masked offenders went into William Hill bookmakers on High Street, Lees, and demanded the workers get to the floor.

Police have only just released details of the shocking raid from a month ago, on March 10 at 8pm. They have stepped up patrols to reassure the community.

One of the gang remained by the door as lookout, while the other two went to the counter.

The gunman produced the weapon as he jumped over the counter and again demanded the staff remain on the floor, while his accomplice rifled through the till and stole cash.

A member of staff was also forced at gunpoint into another area of the betting shop, from where more cash was stolen.

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

The first man was white, about 5ft 7in tall, of average build and wearing a hooded top and balaclava. The second was also white, about 5ft 8in tall, aged 18-21 and of a slim build but with broad shoulders. He had light brown eyes, brown eyebrows, a pointy nose and was wearing a black balaclava and dark-coloured hooded top. He spoke with an Oldham accent.

The third offender was wearing dark clothing but the ethnicity and gender are not known.

Det-Con Simon Halliwell, of Oldham CID, said: “No one should be threatened with a gun in the sanctity of their workplace, and criminals like these who prey upon businesses have no place in our society.

“We are working extremely hard to identify those responsible and I would like to assure the community, and the victims themselves, that should we find them we will do everything we can to lock them away for a long time.

“The penalty for using a firearm during a robbery is severe and those responsible can expect a very lengthy stint behind bars. Greater Manchester Police has secured some good recent convictions for armed robberies and the number of commercial robberies in Greater Manchester continues to fall.

“The public can help us in our investigation by coming forward with any information they have. Perhaps you saw the men going into or out of the bookmakers? Please, if you do know something then speak up so we can stop these men before they strike again.

“We will be having extra patrols in the area, both to reassure residents and businesses and to provide a visible presence so that anyone who does have information can speak to our officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8965 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.