RAIDERS "armed with a metal bar" stormed into a betting shop yesterday and made off with cash. 

It happened at Coral on Allerton Road at 12 noon yesterday. 

Police said the two suspects covered their faces and one was armed with a metal bar - or something similar.

Threats and demands were made to a staff member for cash.

The Labour councillors for Thornton, Allerton and Sandy Lane shared a statement from police, which said: "Offenders have been successful in making off with a quantity of cash.

"At the time of the incident there were a small number of customers in the shop (less than 5).

"I can confirm that no persons have been physically injured as a result of this incident.

"It is believed this incident is not in any way linked to the robberies that occurred at the McColls store on Allerton Toad around the Christmas period."

CID are investigating the incident. Anyone with information should contact police via 101, quoting crime reference number 13200032792.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.