Woman threatened as Coral Bookmakers in Frodsham is held up by gun man

Feb 27 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

THE SPECTRE of gun crime has cast a dark shadow over Frodsham.

The town is reeling from the shock of an armed raid on Coral bookmakers, on Main Street, on Monday.

A man armed with a handgun. threatened a female member of staff before taking a three-figure sum of cash and fleeing the betting shop on foot.

Police believe it is the first time in recent memory a gun has been used in any criminal activity in Frodsham.

Inspector Phil Hodgson said that residents would be shocked but he also reassured the public that an arrest would be made.

He said: “I cannot recall, during the four years that I have been here, an incident involving a gun.

“This is a high priority crime for us. I can assure the people of Frodsham that no stone will be left unturned in our investigation and given the fullness of time I am confident we will make an arrest.”

The gunman is described as a white male aged between 30 and 35, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall and of stocky build. He is said to have a large round face with ginger stubble.

He was dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms, hooded top, beanie hat and K-Swiss trainers. He also spoke with a local accent.

The woman, who was working on her own, was left shaken but received no physical injuries.

The bookmakers say they are now considering making improvements to the shop’s security.

Coral spokesman Simon Clare: “We have sent a member of our security team to the site.

“What this incident does prove is that betting shops do not have large amounts of money just sitting there behind the counter.

“This man has pulled a gun on a member of staff for a three-figure sum of money, it’s not worth it.”

Anyone with information relating to the incident can contact DS Mike Beamish on 01244 613150.