A ROBBER held up a bookmakers at knifepoint before fleeing on foot with a haul of cash.

The raid took place at Coral on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, at about 8pm on Thursday, July 31.

Nobody was harmed but the staff member involved was left very shaken by the ordeal.

Extensive searches were carried out by a team of officers on Thursday evening and during the early hours of Friday in the effort to locate the man.

Patrols have also been stepped up in the area to reassure local residents while the investigation continues.

Now detectives are appealing for any information that could help trace the suspect and assist the investigation.

His face was covered by a dark garment and a dark hat. He was wearing a dark jacket and he was carrying a dark holdall bag.

Detective Constable Fiona Ayre said: “We are doing everything we can to investigate this very concerning incident which has left the member of staff in a state of shock.

“To help our enquires, we are urging any witnesses or people with information about the suspect to come forward without delay.

“It happened at a fairly busy time of day with people walking and driving in the area.”

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Harrogate CID or email fiona.ayre@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk