A MAN armed with an axe has held up a betting shop.

The man, who was wearing blue overalls or a paper suit, entered Johnny Ridley’s bookmakers on North Road, Wingate, east Durham at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, August 19.

He threatened the cashier with a yellow-handled axe and stole more than £3,000 before making his getaway in a grey coloured car.

There were no customers in the shop at the time and no-one was injured.

A 29-year-old man from nearby Station Town has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Tony Elliott said: “There were no customers in the premises at the time but we understand the main street outside was really busy.

“We would be keen to hear from anyone who saw this man as he left the shop or got into the car.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Durham Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.