A ROBBER armed with a screwdriver threatened staff at a Poole bookmakers yesterday - days after a similar raid in West Moors.

During the most recent attack, an armed man robbed Ladbrokes in Commercial Road and made off with an amount of cash. Police were called just after 6.30pm.

No one is believed to have been hurt.

Police launched a manhunt and are today continuing to search for the man responsible, who is described as being around five feet seven inches tall and of medium build.

Last Wednesday, January 16, a man armed with a meat cleaver raided Ladbrokes in Station Road, West Moors.

Police say they are "keeping an open mind" as to whether the robberies are linked.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Bournemouth CID, said no arrests have been made. The robber was wearing 'dark clothing' during the incident, the officer said.

“This must have been a very distressing incident for staff at the bookmakers and I would like to reassure members of the public that a full investigation has been launched to identify the offender," he said.

Anyone who saw the incident take place, or those who noticed any suspicious activity in the area at the time of this offence, is urged to call 101 quoting 55190010858.

“We recognise this is the second similar incident in recent days following the robbery at Ladbrokes in West Moors," DI Seymour said.

"We are keeping an open mind as to the possibility that the two could be linked."