WITNESS APPEAL - ROBBERY AT LADBROOKES, HAWTHORNE ROAD, BOOTLE

MERSEYSIDE Police have released CCTV footage of two men that detectives would like to speak to following a robbery at Ladbrookes bookmakers on Hawthorne Road, Bootle on Tuesday, 29 December 2009.

A lone member of staff opened up the shop at 9.40am and as she did so two men appeared behind her and pushed her inside, demanding that she open the safe.  The men then escaped with a substantial amount of cash.  The staff member was left very shaken but was not hurt during the incident.

DS Jim Wilde, of Copy Lane CID, said:- "This was a pre-planned robbery where the offenders waited until the staff member was opening up so they could gain access to the bookmakers. Thankfully she was unhurt but she was understandably very upset after her ordeal and we are determined to catch those responsible. I would appeal for people to have a close look at these CCTV images and contact me if they recognise either of these offenders or if they remember seeing anyone acting suspiciously in Hawthorne Road at that time last Tuesday. Their information could be crucial to catching them."

Anyone with information is asked to call:- 0151 777 3127 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

ARMED ROBBERY, MCDONALDS, QUEENS DRIVE, WALTON, LIVERPOOL

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives have released CCTV images of an armed robbery at a McDonalds restaurant in Walton in a bid to catch the offenders.  They want to hear from anyone who recognises the offenders filmed entering the outlet in Queens Drive armed with a hammer and a knife, or the distinctive Nike holdall that one of them was carrying.

Detective Constable Clare Walsh from St Anne Street CID, said:- "The public's help could be crucial to us tracing these robbers, who were armed and stole money from the restaurant after threatening staff. I would urge anyone who recognises their faces, their clothing or the bag they were carrying to come forward and tell the police."

The latest CCTV images show three men, their faces partially covered by scarves, entering the McDonalds in Queens Drive shortly after staff had opened it at 7am. Two offenders approach two male staff members and demands that they hand over cash, while a third stands guard in the restaurant area.  The three then escape in an unknown make or model of car parked nearby having stolen money from the safe.  No-one was injured during the robbery but staff were left extremely shaken by the ordeal.

DC Walsh added:- "This was an extremely unpleasant experience for the McDonalds staff as these offenders were armed and were quite aggressive in their demands, although thankfully no-one was hurt. Both ourselves and the company are very keen for the public's help in catching them. Even though they have tried to cover their faces, someone may still recognise them or have seen the robbery in progress that morning. If so, I would urge them to call the police."

Anyone with information is asked to call St Anne Street CID on:- 0151 777 4809 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.