AN armed robber has coolly walked into a city bookmakers with a hand gun demanding cash.

The robber went into Backhouse Bet in Angel Street in Worcester at about 5.20pm yesterday demanding money from the cashier.

He walked in with what appeared to be a gun, although police say it may have been a replica, placed the weapon down on the counter before picking it up again and pointing it at the bookie’s cashier.

The “calm, and controlled” robber then walked back out of the doors with cash, walking along Angel Street towards the junction with Foregate Street.

It is then believed he then turned right onto The Cross.

He is said to be white, aged around 30, 5ft 10ins, of a slim build and had thick stubble or a beard.

He was wearing a brown baseball cap, a black fitted North Face jacket, dark-coloured jeans and grey plimsolls.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees, of Worcester CID, said: "The man was very calm, quiet and controlled in his manner throughout the robbery - even apologising at time.

"A member of staff was threatened with a weapon, but it could have been a replica or an air weapon.

"I would like to reassure people that robberies like this are extremely rare in Worcester and we will do everything we can to bring the person responsible for this crime to justice.

"The area of the city where this happened is very central and would have been busy with commuters on their way home at the time of the incident.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw this man leaving the bookmakers or knows who he is from his description to get in touch as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about this incident can call DI Rees on 0300 333 3000, quoting 168/N/260312 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.