Armed robber threatens betting shop staff

AN armed robber has threatened staff at a betting shop in front of shocked customers.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the armed robbery of a bettng shop in Livingston

The man targeted the Ladbrokes in Carmondean, Livingston, about 9.20pm on Saturday night. A member of staff and two customers were in the shop when a man entered and threatened the employee with a weapon while demanding money.

Officers said the weapon was not a firearm, but would not clarify exactly what it was.

The man took a four-figure sum of cash and then ran from the shop.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses, and are carrying out inquiries in the area and sourcing CCTV footage from nearby premises.

The suspect is described as white, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, medium build and was wearing gloves, black trainers and baggy light grey jogging bottoms.

He was also wearing a light blue ‘puffa style’ hooded jacket, which had distinctive diamond pattern stitching, with the hood worn up.

Detective Constable Debbie Trotter, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or saw the suspect.

“Thankfully, nobody was hurt during the robbery, however the member of staff has been badly shaken by the incident, as this was a frightening experience for them.

“There are a number of routes the thief could have taken after leaving the betting shop , and so I am appealing to members of the public for any information they may have as to who might have been responsible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.