A CCTV image of a masked man armed with a metal pole raiding a Burnley bookies has been released.

As reported by the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday, the man threatened a lone female worker at the William Hill branch in Briercliffe Road.

A second man remained stood at the door keeping watch.

After the first offender failed to force his way into the store office, the thief reached under the security glass and grabbed a coin holder containing £137 cash. The offender is described as Asian, 5ft 9in, with a thin face and spoke with a local Asian accent. He wore a balaclava covering his face.

Det David Greenwood, from Burnley CID said: “This was a terrifying incident for the shop worker. I would urge any members of the local community with any information that could assist with our enquiry to come forward if they have any information regarding the offence.”

Call Lancashire Police on 101.

The incident happened at around 9.20pm on Saturday.