Staff terrified as masked raiders burst into Nelson bookies (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Staff terrified as masked raiders burst into Nelson bookies

10:30am Thursday 28th February 2013 in News By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter

THREE teenagers forced a terrified shop worker to hand over hundreds of pounds during a raid on a bookies.

The hooded thieves, believed to be aged 17, burst into Ladbrokes in Scotland Road, Nelson, and surrounded the woman cashier who was alone.

They warned the 22-year-old she wouldn’t get hurt if she handed over the money, police said.

One of the raiders jumped over the counter and grabbed cash from the tills.

The gang then fled on foot and ran in the direction of Pendle Street.

Detectives investigating the robbery said the cashier was left 'incredibly shaken' by the incident but she had been unharmed.

DS Phil Pilkington, of Pennine CID, said: “Three Asian males have entered Ladbrooks in Scotland Road, Nelson, and forced a lone female cashier to hand over cash by threatening extreme violence.

“The teenagers have helped themselves to several hundred pounds from the tills before running off in the direction of Pendle Street.

“I urge any member of the community who may know who is behind this robbery to get in touch as these offenders have put the victim through an unwarranted and terrifying ordeal and she is now understandably traumatised.

“The three offenders are thought to be around 16 or 17 years and are unscrupulous males.”

They entered the bookies on Tuesday at 7pm with their hoodies up. One thief was also said to have a scarf covering his face.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage of the robbery for clues.

A 16-year-old boy from Nelson was arrested on suspicion of robbery but released without charge yesterday afternoon.

Anyone with information should call Peninne CID on 01282 472232 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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