Masked raiders rob bookies

A masked pair of robbers raided a William Hill bookmakers in Chester Road Sunderland on Saturday evening. The pair held up the betting shop with a handgun and a knife running away with all the cash that was in the till.

A Chester Road shop worker, who does not want to be named, said: "We'd closed up by then but I heard about it this morning.

"It must have been awful for the people in there - the last thing you'd expect."

Detective Sergeant Mark Rutherford, of Farringdon CID, said: "We're doing everything possible to trace the two men responsible and inquiries are continuing.

"I'd urge any witnesses to the robbery, or anyone with information about it to contact us as soon as possible as they may have information important to the enquiry."

On Thursday, a gang of thugs armed with a gun and a steel bar, burst into North East Food warehouse, off Philadelphia Lane, and held up the 36-year-old owner.

He was beaten over the head with the bar before the trio of masked men fled with cash.

Anyone with information or anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage is asked to phone Farringdon CID on 03456 043 043 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.