THIS is the moment an armed raider struck at a bookmakers in Crosby, making off with over £1,000. The man left staff terrified after bursting into William Hill on College Road and demanded money. Holding a plastic bag with an unknown weapon inside, he forced staff to empty the tills and the roulette machine whilst waving the object. Taking £1,000 from the till and £150 from the games machine, the raider made ran away when staff told him they had no further money on the premises and the police were called. Officers are now appealing for help in order to catch the robber and have released CCTV images of the offender. Neighbourhood Inspector Diane Prosser said: “This was a distressing incident which left staff shocked and frightened. “He made threats of violence to staff and forced staff to empty the till and vending machines. “When approached by a male member of staff he held up the plastic bag he was holding to give the impression a weapon or firearm was inside it. “Around £150, mainly in £10 and £5 notes, was taken from the machine and £1,000 from the till. “He is not believed to be a regular customer.” Diane added: “I hope someone will recognise the offender from the CCTV images. “Although his whole face is not visible he has very distinctive eyes, which I hope triggers someone’s memory. “We depend greatly on local intelligence and would encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact us.” The man is described as white, around 5ft 10in and of a skinny build. He was said to have blue eyes and aged in his early to mid 20s. He was wearing a snood, pulled up to cover his face, a navy blue hat and black tracksuit bottoms. The incident took place at 7.30pm on Saturday (January 28). Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0151 777 3050 or 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | 
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