Betting shop gun robbery

Two hooded robbers armed with a gun burst into a Telford bookmakers and threatened staff before fleeing with cash.

The men, who were wearing baseball caps, hoodies and scarves, targeted Corals bookmakers in Donnington between 8.20pm and 8.35pm yesterday.

One of the robbers waited by the door while the other approached the counter - where two staff were on duty - holding a black handgun and demanded money from the till .

Staff at the Parade branch handed over cash and the man put it into a plastic bag before demanding more.

Police said staff then emptied a safe and handed the additional money over.

The robbers ran out of the shop and are believed to have fled on bicycles.

The amount of cash stolen is believed to be several hundred pounds.

Nigel Smith, area manager for Coral, said today: "They got away with a minimal amount of money and staff were left shaken. We want them caught but our top priority is staff safety in line with company policy."

Detective Sergeant Ian Rutherford, of Telford CID, said: "This is a nasty incident and the staff are extremely shaken by it. Although the offenders did not directly threaten staff with the handgun it was being held while the demands were made.

"The staff have been able to give us detailed descriptions of the two men.

"The man carrying the gun is described as being white, about 5ft 10 ins tall and as being between 18 and 22 years old.

"He is also said to have had a red scarf pulled over his face while the plastic bag he was carrying has been described as possibly being a blue JD Sports bag with a drawstring.

"The second man is described as being white, about 5ft 7ins tall and as being aged between 18 and 22. He is also described as having a dark coloured scarf covering his face.

"Both men are also described as wearing baseball caps with dark coloured hooded tops over the top."

CID and response officers, attended the scene but could not find any trace of the men.

Anyone with information about the robbery or witnesses should contact Telford police on 08457 444888.

By Lisa Rowley and Tom Johannsen