Appeal after bookies robbed at gunpoint

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an armed raid at a bookmakers in Edinburgh.

The robbery took place at the Ladbrokes betting shop on West Maitland Street, in Haymarket, at about 8.40pm on Friday.

A man threatened two members of staff and a customer with a small handgun and escaped with a three-figure sum of cash.

Officers have urged anyone in the area at the time to come forward if they have any information. The suspect was described as white, 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build and pale skin.

He was wearing a dark jacket with its hood pulled tight, blue jeans and possibly white trainers. He spoke with a local accent.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "The staff were obviously extremely alarmed after being presented with a handgun and we are keen to speak with anyone who can help us identify the suspect. There are potentially a number of witnesses who can help with enquiries."