DETECTIVES in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a woman robbed a bookmaker in the Strouden Park area of the town.

The incident took place at around 6.15pm on Sunday 23 December at Coral Bookmakers on Castle Lane West.

The offender entered the shop while a member of staff was locking up, threatened her with what is believed to be a firearm and demanded money.

The suspect left empty handed, running off towards Bradpole Road.

Detective Inspector Mark Samuel, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This was a very scary ordeal for the victim that has left her very shaken.

“This incident happened opposite the Castlepoint Shopping Centre and a busy main road, so it is likely there would have been members of the public in the area during the time of the incident, and that somebody may have information that can help us in our investigation.

“I urge anyone with any details to contact Dorset Police on 101 in the strictest confidence.

“The offender is described as a white woman with curly hair, five feet nine inches tall and of slim build.

“She was wearing two inch heels, a light brown scarf covering her neck and a black leather jacket.

“We are also keen to speak with a man who was seen talking on a mobile phone and appeared to follow the offender down Bradpole Road moments after the offence had taken place.

“He was initially stood at the bus stop opposite the bookmakers.

“He is described as a black man, aged in his thirties, and wearing a fluorescent sleeveless top and a grey or beige coloured beanie hat.”

No arrests have been made and nobody was injured.