Robbery attempt

MASKED robber enters the betting shop

A MASKED man tried to rob a bookies in Oldham in a terrifying attempted robbery.

Police are appealing for information after the raid on a William Hill shop on Lees High Street at around 9.40am on Tuesday.

The man had entered the shop, shouting "give me the money."

The terrified cashier got up to make sure that the door to the counters was locked.

At this point, the offender ran out of the shop and escaped through a side alley.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

PC Zahid Ilyas, of GMP's Oldham Borough, said: "The brazenness of this attempt to steal in broad daylight is unbelievable.

"The assistant was going about their job, only to be met with what must have been a terrifying sight of a masked offender.

"I am asking for anyone who may have seen the man in the image, or recognises the clothing he is wearing to come forward. I'd also ask for those in the community who saw anything suspicious at this busy time of the day, to get in touch with police and help with this investigation."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 568 of 22/08/17, or through the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.