Armed raider targets bookies

An armed robber held up a bookmakers in front of terrified staff and customers in Lothian Road yesterday.

It is the third crime of its kind in the Capital in less than a month.

The incident took place around 9.10pm at the William Hill bookmakers.

Staff and customers were in the premises when a man entered and pulled out what appeared to be a handgun before demanding cash.

A three-figure sum of money was taken before the suspect made off on foot south along Lothian Road.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20s, 5ft 7in tall, of stocky build, with blonde hair, wearing a grey/black waterproof jacket, black balaclava and black hooded top.

A spokesman for William Hill said the firm would not comment on the specific circumstances but said: “We deplore any incident of this nature.”

Another two bookmakers have been subjected to armed raids in just over three weeks. On August 12, an armed robber threatened staff with a handgun at Ladbrokes in West Maitland Street.

Two members of staff and one customer were in the branch at around 8.40pm when the attacker entered.

On August 5, an armed robber wielding a handgun held up a pair of “terrified” staff members at a Leith bookmaker as they cashed up.

The man walked into the William Hill shop in Leith Walk at about 9.45pm and pulled out the gun before demanding money from the staff and making off with a three-figure sum.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “It appears the man entered the premises with what appeared to be a handgun.

“With regards to whether the incidents are related, inquiries are ongoing.”

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Lothian Road area last night and saw anything suspicious or who can assist with enquiries to contact them.

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