POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a knifepoint robbery at a betting shop in Farnham.

The robbery happened on Wednesday (December 19) at 9pm when a man entered the Coral bookmakers in Downing Street and threatened staff with a knife.

A staff member handed over cash and activated the alarm.

According to a police spokesman, officers quickly attended, but the man had left the scene before they arrived.

The spokesman added: “There were no customers in the store at the time, and nobody was injured, though the staff member was understandably shaken.”

The suspect is described as white, in his late 40s. He had short dark hair which was shaved at the sides. He was wearing a plain hooded top with blue jeans and scarf covering his face.

“We don’t know whether he had transport to leave the scene and are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a man fitting that description in a hurry or acting suspiciously near to Downing Street, Farnham on Wednesday evening at around 9pm,” continued the spokesman.

“You may also have travelled along Downing Street and have caught the man on a dash-cam or a helmet-cam – in which case we’d also like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information can call the police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit surrey.police.uk/ReportIt, quoting reference PR/45180134789.

Information can also be given, 100 per cent anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111; or through its anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.