A MAN has been charged after an armed robbery at a bookmaker's in which a weapon was held while concealed in a bag.

Officers have charged a man and arrested a second suspect after the incident at Betfred on Eccleston Street, Prescot, on Good Friday afternoon, April 15.
 
At around 3.35pm officers were called to reports that a man had threatened staff in the betting shop holding an item staff believed could have been a weapon concealed in a bag.
 
It was reported that he then made off with £50 cash.

Following extensive inquiries, two men were later arrested.

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Gareth Thomas Hunter, 44, Grentwood Road, Huyton was subsequently charged with three counts of robbery, and two counts of possession of an imitation firearm.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Monday, April 18.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man from Prescot was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon ion a public place, possession of a Class B controlled drug (cannabis) and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug (ketamine).

He has been released under investigation.

  • Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact police by DM via their social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000259446. People can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.