Hunt for armed thieves who targeted bookmakers

DETECTIVES were today examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify a pair of armed robbers who stole more than £1000 from a bookmakers after threatening staff with an axe and a knife.

The suspects struck at the Ladbrokes in Hawk Brae, Livingston, at about 9.20pm on Wednesday, telling employees and two customers, "Stay in the shop or you'll get killed".

The employees surrendered a batch of mixed notes that the suspects stuffed in a rucksack before running out a rear door of the shop towards Dunlin Brae, Ladywell.

Police believe the robbers may have been teenagers and appealed for help in tracking them down.

Detective Inspector Eammon Keane, who is based at Livingston police station, said: "The staff and customers were left badly shaken by this incident. Fortunately, no-one was injured."

The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 8in, medium build, with a local accent. He was wearing a black hooded top, dark jogging bottoms with a white design on the right shin and white trainers.

The second suspect was white, 5ft 8in, slim build, with a local accent. He was wearing an olive green camouflage waist length jacket.