£10,000 reward for information on bookmakers’ robbery in Poplar

A £10,000 reward has been offered as police seek witnesses to an armed robbery in which masked men held a gun to a woman’s head at a betting shop.

The robbery happened as a woman staff member was locking up a Ladbrokes branch in Poplar for the night in May.

She was attacked from behind by two masked men, one of whom held a handgun to her head. The pair then forced her back inside the shop together.

The victim was left with bruising on her face, arms, back and legs after she was forced to open the safe for the robbers.

The duo made off with a “large quantity” of cash from the premises in Ellesmere Street at around 10pm on Thursday, May 30, police said.

And Ladbrokes is now offering a £10,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Det Con Darren Guntrip, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “This was a vicious and cowardly attack on a lone and vulnerable female who has been left bruised and traumatised by the incident.

“I would appeal to anyone with knowledge that would assist police in identifying the robbers to come forward and speak with us.”

The suspects are both described as black men, around 5’10” and slim. The one carrying the handgun reportedly spoke with an African-French accent.

Anyone with information can call police on 0208 345 4248 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.