ARMED robbers threatened staff at a Warrington bookmakers with a machete before staling a quantity.

Two men burst into the Ladbrokes betting shop, Howson Road, Orford, at about 5.40pm on Tuesday.

One man threatened the two female staff with a knife-like machete while the second man vaulted over the counter and raided the till.

Both men then fled with their haul into a waiting car which had been stolen from Sainsbury's car park, Church Street, at about lunchtime.

The B-reg grey Cavalier hatchback was later found abandoned about a mile from the robbery in Merrick Close, Orford.

Deputy manager Debbie Pierce said: "Both women are still in a state of shock following the incident.

"They can't really believed it happened but they seem to be coping alright. Fortunately the men only escaped with a relatively small amount of money," she said.

Both men wore black woollen full-face balaclavas during the raid although the staff were able to give accurate descriptions.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall with a fair complexion.

He wore a blue sweatshirt with grey jogging bottoms and cream Reebok trainers.

The second man, who was armed with the machete, was also white and between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 6ins tall.

He wore a green Russell Athletic sweatshirt, a red and cream checked shirt and cream jeans.

The driver of the getaway car is described as white, thinly built with brown hair which was shaved on the sides and long on top.

Detective Constable Paul Harbidge said: "We are keen to catch these men as they could well strike again.

"We do need to speak with any witnesses who may have seen the men between lunchtime and the robbery, especially when they dumped the car later that day," he said.

Anyone with information should contact DC Harbidge or DC Forsythe in confidence on 01244 613834 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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