Police are after a one-man crime wave after four banks and bookmakers were held up at gunpoint in a matter of hours in Salford and Warrington.
Detectives moved to reassure the public but said the armed robber was “brazenly” threatening people with a gun and “must be stopped”.
Shortly after 4.10pm on Thursday 7 January 2016, a man armed with a handgun went into the Santander bank at The Mall, in Eccles.
He pointed the gun at the staff member and tried to jump over the counter, but the Perspex screen collapsed and he fled.
The man is described as 6ft tall, of slim build and was wearing a blue parka coat with a fur hood and a black face covering.
Santander Eccles is still closed today and staff have been sent home.
A sign on the door reads: “We regret that due to an incident this branch is temporarily closed. Please use alternative facilities at Swinton and Urmston.”
One eyewitness told SalfordOnline.com: “I was outside using the cash machine when it happened.
“I seen someone walk into the bank he got about half way to the counter and jumped up at the cashier, I heard one the staff scream and seen the shutter go up at the deck.
“He turn to come out of the bank and seen me and held what looked like a gun. It happened quick but he went down the side of the bank.”
Just 20 minutes later a man with a similar description went into the William Hill bookmaker’s on Walkden Road in Walkden, threatened staff with a handgun and tried to get into the till area, before fleeing.
A spokesperson for Santander said: “We can confirm that there was an incident at the Santander branch in Eccles yesterday afternoon. We are assisting the police with their investigation.
“The branch is currently closed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. There were no reported losses, damages or injuries to staff or customers.”
At about 6.10pm on Thursday police believe the same man went into Betfred on Common Lane in Culcheth, Warrrington, threatened staff with a handgun and escaped with cash.
At 7.30pm the same evening, a man went into Betfred on Liverpool Road in Cadishead and again threatened staff with a handgun, before stealing cash and fleeing.
Police believe the same man is responsible for all four robberies.
Detective Sergeant Karl Dalton of Salford division said: “I understand people who live in these areas will be concerned and I want to assure you that we are doing all we can to catch the man.
“Fortunately, no-one was hurt but this man is brazenly threatening people with a gun and he must be stopped.
“We would ask that if anyone was in the area at the time and remembers seeing a man matching the description that they contact police.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8361 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Main image: Santander bank in Eccles remains closed on Friday 8 January
