Armed Robber with a handgun threatened cashier at Betfred Southcote Reading

Photo Paul King

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at a branch of Betfred in Reading.

At just before 3.30 pm on Bank Holiday Monday, a man has entered the Betfred in Coronation Square Reading with what was believed to be a firearm, which he raised and aimed at the cashier, demanding money from the till.

The offender then kicked down a door to gain access to the till and stole approximately £200 in cash. The offender is described as either white or mixed race, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, and was wearing green tracksuit bottoms with a dark grey hooded top with a white logo on the front.

He was also wearing a black balaclava, pink gloves, and black trainers with a white sole.

The victim, a 58-year-old woman, was not injured. Investigating officer Detective Constable Josh Gillespie, based at Reading police station, said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the victim and the offender made off with an amount of cash.

“Thankfully, although shaken, the victim was not hurt. “I am appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of the Betfred in Coronation Square on Monday at around the time of the offense to please contact police if you witnessed anything that can help this investigation.

“If you recognize the description of the man, or have any CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam footage, the Police have asked you to get in touch.

“You can make a report online or call 101, quoting reference number 43210236017.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”