ROBBERS raided an Edmonton betting shop and held staff and customers at gunpoint on Sunday.

The three men, armed with two hand guns, robbed Coral's Bookmakers in Silver Street shortly before closing time at around 6pm.

Customers were threatened and bundled into the shop's toilets. One of two female cashiers was knocked to the ground and the pair were locked in the back of the shop.

The raiders, described as black and in their late 20s to early 30s, fled in an unknown direction with around £500 in cash.

Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Det Sgt John Hill said: "This was extremely frightening for the cashiers and the customers. There was a lot of violence and force used for a relatively small amount of money."

The first man, armed with a handgun, was around 6ft 2ins tall. He had a beard and was wearing a woollen hat, ski glasses and a green fluorescent jacket sporting the word 'security' on the back of it.

The second man, also armed with a handgun, was around 6ft 2ins tall. The third man was plump and shorter. He was wearing a light-coloured top.

Det Sgt Hill believes the men could have been in the shop for some hours prior to the robbery.

He added: "The chances are the man wearing the fluorescent jacket was outside in the street pacing up and down. Someone may have seen him and may well know him as a local."

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Hill on 8345 4226.

April 30, 2003 10:00