Knifemen storm bookies in terrifying armed robbery

VIOLENT robbers held a knife to a deputy manager's throat at a Belsize Park bookies before beating him up during a terrifying armed raid on Tuesday night. The employee was hit with a gun and punched and kicked several times during the robbery at William H

VIOLENT robbers held a knife to a deputy manager's throat at a Belsize Park bookies before beating him up during a terrifying armed raid on Tuesday night.

The employee was hit with a gun and punched and kicked several times during the robbery at William Hill in Haverstock Hill.

It is the second armed robbery on a Haverstock Hill business in two weeks. Starbucks staff were held up at gunpoint on the evening of January 11.

At about 9.30pm, half an hour before it was due to close, two men entered the bookies and began threatening two workers aged 20 and 25.

An employee told the Ham&High on Wednesday: "They came into the shop and held what looked like a gun to them.

"They forced them to come out from behind the counter and lock the doors so no-one else could come in. The men then forced them back behind the counter and took the money.

"They were obviously both shaken. The deputy was punched and was cut above the eye. He also had a knife held to his throat.

"There have been two robberies around here now so it is a bit worrying. Everyone has to be vigilant now."

The victim was taken to the Royal Free Hospital, where he was treated and later discharged.

The suspects were black and a dark-skinned European.

No arrests have been made yet and inquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 020-8358 1751 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.