AN ARMED robber cashed in on Saturday's Grand National by holding up a busy Runcorn bookies at gunpoint.

The hooded man entered Causeway Racing, at the Castlefields Centre, at 3.55pm just before the start of the world famous race.

He approached the counter and produced a hand gun which he pointed at a member of staff and demanded money.

The cashier handed over the cash and the offender made off in the direction of Kingshead Close.

Manager Mark Lawton said: 'When he came in he was so calm our customers weren't aware of what was going on.

'He put the gun, it looked like a pistol, under the counter and aimed it at the cashier and asked for money, very calmly, no shouting.

'He started grabbing handfuls of money and then walked straight out with an amount that must have been in the hundreds, but we don't keep large amounts of money on the premises anyway for this reason.

'There were about a dozen customers in the shop and they didn't notice although I don't know what he might have done if he had been disturbed.'

The robber was white, in his early twenties, 5ft 9-10in with ginger hair and freckles. He wore a dark hooded coat with the hood up and dark gloves.

At the time of the robbery the shop and surrounding area was packed with punters placing bets on the Grand National.

A Castlefields resident said: 'Most people round here like to have a flutter on the National, so I imagine they would have got away with a fair few bob. I heard it was packed in there, too, but it's no surprise no-one stepped in because you don't want to risk getting shot do you?'

One terrified woman, who did not want to be named, added: 'It doesn't really shock anyone round here anymore. You're always hearing of somewhere or other getting done over.'

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact DS Adam Waller on 01244 614955.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously by contacting CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

holly.breslin@cheshirenews.co.uk