Arrests after cash taken from Telford bookies

Robbers fled with hundreds of pounds in cash after threatening staff with a crowbar during a terrifying raid at a bookmakers in Telford, police said today.

Two men walked into Coral bookmakers in Market Street in Oakengates demanding cash from frightened staff. They threatened them with what appeared to be a crowbar before fleeing with a few hundred pounds in cash.

No one was injured but members of staff were left shaken.

The raid happened on May 5 at about 5.40pm, police said today.

A 28-year-old man and 30-year-old man were later arrested and interviewed on suspicion of robbery. They were both bailed pending further inquiries.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "It is believed the offenders may have fled across the car park and onto Station Hill, before possibly travelling along Cockshutt Road and Willows Road.

"At this point it is believed some items of clothing were discarded by the suspects, before they made off either onto The Nabb or into the Walker Crescent area of St Georges.

"Police are eager to trace a number of items that may have been left in the area and are appealing for help.

"These items include two balaclavas, a Next carrier bag and other clothing. We are also eager to recover the cash which was stolen."

The spokeswoman added: "This was a serious incident and fortunately no member of staff at the shop was injured. However, they were left understandably shaken.

"We have made two arrests but we really need help from members of the public to trace the items we have described."

Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Ian Rutherford at Telford Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.