POLICE are hunting a gunman believed to have carried out four armed robberies in little more than three hours – including one at Culcheth, Warrington.
The masked raider entered the Betfred betting office on Common Lane, Culcheth at about 6.10pm last night, threatened staff with a handgun and escaped with cash.
Earlier, at about 4.10pm, a man went into the Santander bank at The Mall, Eccles, pointed a gun at a member of staff and tried to jump over the counter. But the perspex screen collapsed and he fled.
At about 4.30pm a man went into the William Hill bookmakers’ at Walkden, threatened staff with a gun and tried to get into the till area before fleeing.
After the Culcheth raid, at about 7.30pm, a man went into Betfred on Liverpool Road in Cadishead and again threatened staff with a handgun, before stealing cash and fleeing.
Police believe the same man is responsible for all four robberies.
He is described as 6ft tall, of slim build and was wearing a blue parka coat with a fur hood and a black face covering.
Detective Sergeant Karl Dalton said: “I understand people who live in these areas will be concerned and I want to assure you that we are doing all we can to catch the man.
“Fortunately, no-one was hurt but this man is brazenly threatening people with a gun and he must be stopped.
“We would ask that if anyone was in the area at the time and remembers seeing a man matching the description that they contact police.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8361 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police hunt gunman after four armed robberies in three hours
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