A KNIFE-WIELDING robber threatened staff at a Widnes bookmakers today.

The armed villain burst into Coral’s betting office in Derby Road, Farnworth at 9.47am.

He escaped with a bag containing cash. No one was hurt.

The offender was seen running off towards Peel House Lane.

A police helicopter was called in to help.

Dc Mark Roberts said: "Thankfully nobody was harmed in this incident. Officers made a search of the area supported by the Northern Police Air Support Unit.

“We are continuing to investigate a number of lines of enquiry.

“However I would urge anyone with information to contact the police. Information from the community is often the key to solving incidents of this nature."

The man is described as being about 5ft 5 inches to 5ft to 7 inches tall, of very thin build wearing a grey tracksuit.

His face was covered with a scarf and he was wearing white gloves with blue rubber grips.

Police have been making a search of the area.

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 196 of 15 September 2014.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.