Red face and no cash for betting shop thief

Police are hunting a thief whose face and hands are covered with red dye after a robbery backfired.

The man, armed with what is believed to be a firearm, targeted two bookmakers in Glasgow on Saturday.

He escaped with a small sum of money after threatening staff with the weapon at Ladbrokes on Kilfinan Street in the Lambhill area at around 6:40pm.

As he ran off the dye pack which was in the cash burst and he dropped the money, which was recovered by officers.

At 9:30pm he went into William Hill in Gorstan Street, Summerston, but left empty-handed.

No staff were injured but all have been left upset and shaken.

Detective Inspector John Kennedy, of Maryhill CID, said: "We have checked CCTV in both areas and we are confident that the same man is responsible for both crimes.

"After the suspect fled from Ladbrokes in Kilfinan Street, he ran into Balmore Road where the dye pack which was in the cash he stole burst.

"As a result, he dropped the cash and it was recovered by officers.

"I have no doubt that his hands and face will be covered with red dye - which is very difficult to remove."

He urged anyone who has information or who has seen someone with dye on their face or hands and think this is connected to the incident to call the police.