A KNIFE-wielding robber forced a Southampton bookies to hand over several hundreds pounds in cash.

A man entered the Ladbrokes bookmakers on East Street and threatened staff before demanding money during an incident on Monday at about 7.15pm. No one was injured.

The criminal, who was described as tanned or dark skinned, of a muscular build and in his late 20s then left the store on foot down East Street in the direction of Debenhams.

The man was between 5ft 10in and 6ft and was wearing a dark coloured, waist length coat with the hood up, a patterned scarf over his face and spoke with a London accent.

DC Simon Bembridge said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this robbery or seen a man leaving Ladbrokes matching this description.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting 44160478048 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.