A KNIFE-wielding robber fled with hundreds of pounds after holding up a Hampshire bookmakers.

Police have issued an appeal after a man entered the store and threatened a 60-year-old make member of staff with what appeared to be a knife at around 5.40pm yesterday.

The member of staff emptied the contents of the till into a bag and was forced to open a safe by the armed robber.

Around £900 was stolen in total, and the contents of the till included till receipts and betting slips.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Detective Constable Mark Brockman, who is investigating the incident, which happened at Corals in Elm Grove, Southsea, said: “During the incident there were several members of public in the bookmakers. We would appeal for these people to come forward.

“We would also appeal to anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area of Elm Grove and The Thicket around the time of the incident.

“Residents of The Thicket, Stafford Road, Hereford Road, Cavendish Road and Albany Road, are asked to please check their bins, out sheds and gardens for a weapon which may have been used in the offence, a rucksack, items of clothing which don't belong to you and coral betting slips/receipts. These items may have been discarded by the offender.”

Anyone with information should contact CID at Fratton police station on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.