The hunt is on to find an armed robber who struck at a betting shop in Brighouse last night.
The terrifying incident took place just before 7pm at the William Hill bookmakers in Commercial Street, where the assistant manager of the shop was reportedly threatened with a weapon.
No details have yet been released about the assailant, who demanded an unknown amount of cash from the register and then fled the scene but fortunately there were no injuries to the staff member.
Armed police and the West Yorkshire Police helicopter were called in to join the hunt and were spotted by residents circling the area shortly afterwards in a bid to track down the suspect.
Commenting on Twitter, Georgina Brearley, said: “My daughter works in town and texted to say armed police (were) all over.”
Police are now appealing for witnesses who were in the area at the time to come forward to help with identification.
Det Insp Chris Wood, of Calderdale Police, said: “Anyone who saw anything suspicious or who saw the robbery around 7pm should get in touch to help us formally identify the suspect.
“We believe that a weapon was used and think that the assailant made away with a small sum of cash.
“Those with any information should call us on 101.”
CCTV images are expected to be released tomorrow to help jog residents’ memories.
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
