Police seek to identify man

POLICE investigating an armed robbery at a Skipton bookmakers are anxious to identify a man whose image was captured on CCTV.

The robbery occurred at the Tote Sport Bookmakers on Newmarket Street in the Dales town at 4.40pm on Sunday 19th November. A man entered the premises and threatened staff with a handgun to obtain an amount of cash which included a large number of £5 notes.

The suspect is described as white, 5'10" tall and slim to medium build. He was wearing a military-style, green jacket possibly with an emblem on the right shoulder, blue jeans, dark shoes, a black full face balaclava and gloves.

It is believed he ran off up The Ginnel to the side of the Wetherspoons pub and crossed the beck into the Middletown area of Skipton.

The man in the photograph was seen in the vicinity at the time and police would like to identify him.

The handgun used is described as an old black military type pistol with a long barrel similar to those used by officers in the First World War.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Dave Ellis said: "There were quite a few people about in Skipton town centre at the time and we would like to speak to anyone who was in the Newmarket Street or Middletown areas around 4.30pm to 5pm, and who may have seen the suspect watching the premises before the robbery, or running away afterwards.

"From the circumstances, we strongly believe that somebody in Skipton will know, or have suspicions about, a person who they think may have committed this offence. We need the help of the Skipton community to bring this dangerous criminal to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Yorkshire Police witness line on 01423 539326 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.