Cash stolen in 'terrifying' robbery in which employee was assaulted in Accrington bookies

A man entered the William Hill bookmakers on Blackburn Road and waited around until he was the only customer left in the store at around 8.45pm on July 16.

He then proceeded to follow the lone female employee back behind the counter before pushing her and demanding money from the till.

The attacker then pushed the victim into the kitchen area, but the "terrified" employee managed to lock herself in the toilet and call the police.

The offender left the scene with approximately £365 in cash before making his was along Blackburn Road and up the ramp to Accrington Train Station at 8.52pm.

DC Nicholas Barker, of Blackburn CID, said: "This was a terrifying incident which left the victim very shaken.

"I would ask anybody who recognises the man in the CCTV to contact police on immediately."

No arrest has been made so far and officers are appealing for anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images to come forward.

The offender, who spoke with a local accent, is described as a white, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build and in his late 30s to early 40s.

He was wearing a bright blue woolly hat with a dark blue bobble on the top, a black and white scarf tied over his face, a grey waterproof style jacket, olive green tight tracksuit bottoms and bright blue New Balance trainers.

The attacked was also carrying a white carrier bag with a union jack on it.

Before the incident he was seen walking along Hyndburn Road, through McDonalds carpark, underneath the viaduct and onto Union Street.

He then walked underneath the arch of the Town Hall before making his way to William Hill.

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101, quoting log number 1434 of July 16.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/