A BOOKMAKER yesterday told of the moment an armed robber held a gun to his chest during a daylight raid.

Tony Taylor was working at South Bank Bookmakers, in Albemarle Road, York, when the gunman walked into the shop on Thursday afternoon and demanded cash.

The robbery, in which a stolen Ford Ka was used as a getaway vehicle, has been linked to a second raid later in the day at another firm of bookmakers.

Jorvik Racing, in Bright Street, was targeted just a few hours later when a man, wielding a silver handgun, threatened customers and staff, before escaping with cash.

Mr Taylor said: "I was just working behind the counter taking bets. I saw someone in front of me, and I looked up and just saw this gun.

"He pointed it at my chest and snarled 'Give me the money'. I thought he was going to shoot me. I thought I was going to die there and then."

The man was described as 23 to 25, and about 5ft 8in. He wore a blue jacket and jeans, and a distinctive yellow beret.

The man in the second incident was described as 22, and about 5ft 9in. He wore a dark baseball cap, possibly with a khaki waist-length jacket.

Anyone who has seen the car, which was distinctive for having Ka written in large white letters on the nearside, is asked to contact police on (01904) 631321