AN ARMED robbery in which staff at a Wiltshire bookies were threatened with a gun triggered a major police search today.

Officers were called to Ladbrokes in Swindon town centre at 9:40am following reports of man entering the shop and using a handgun to demand money. He fled on foot with £400 in a rucksack.

The police helicopter, has been called in to help search the area.

Ins Paul Saunders said: “‘We currently have officers on the ground supporting both the victim and assisting the investigation team.

‘We appreciate that incidents like this can be frightening for any community but we are using all necessary resources to find this man.

‘There is and there will continue to be an increased visible presence of police in the town today and anyone with concerns can approach officers who will happy to discuss these.”

A female cashier who was approached by the robber is being cared for by police and helping them with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.