POLICE are appealing for information after a St Johns bookmakers was held at gunpoint last night (March 28).

A man entered the Coral betting shop in St Johns Road at around 9pm on Thursday and threatened staff with the weapon before demanding money.

It is believed he made off with £200 in cash, fleeing the scene in a vehicle that was waiting outside.

The offender is described as a black male of stocky build. He was wearing a dark blue trench coat with a dark grey hood.

“I was shocked to hear about the robbery last night,” said Michael Ford, 29, a customer at Coral. “I’m a regular visitor to this bookie and come here most days, lucky really, as I was going to come down last night but stayed at home instead. I really hope the thieves are caught and prosecuted.”

Detective Sergeant Chris Greatorex, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was an isolated incident in an otherwise safe community. We are appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity around the time of the incident to come forward as a matter of priority. Any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, could assist us with our enquiries.”

If you can help, please call Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference WK/13/1784 or, if you prefer not to leave your name, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.