Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a reported robbery at a Bookmakers in Ferndown.
At 10.04 pm on Friday 31 January 2020, two members of staff were locking up the premises of Betfred on Victoria Road when they were approached by two men who had their faces covered and said they were holding knives. They allegedly forced them back inside, demanded money, with one of the men reportedly holding a knife to the throat of one of the staff members.
One of the men reportedly then left the store with £150 in coins. The other man was still at the scene when officers arrived and is reported to have fleed by smashing his way through the glass door of the store before being detained nearby.
A knife was recovered from the scene.
A 34-year-old man from London was arrested and charged with robbery. He was due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 3 February 2020. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the second man involved.
Detective Constable Jordan Hopkins, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The victims were understandably shaken by this incident and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to locate the second suspect.
“I would urge anyone who was in the area during the relevant time and has witnessed any suspicious activity or has any information to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on their website, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200016164.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on their website or on 0800 555 111.