DETECTIVES today appealed for information after robbers burst into a Widnes betting shop.

One offender smashed the security screen and then jumped over the counter, demanding access to the safe.

When staff inside William Hill bookmakers in Warrington Road told him they did not have a key, he snatched a small amount of cash that was being counted.

The three men then fled towards Drummond Court and Houghton Street.

No one was injured in the incident but staff were left shaken by their ordeal.

Detectives are following up a number of lines of enquiry including checking CCTV footage and making forensic enquiries.

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed what happened, was in the area at the time, saw anyone acting suspiciously, or may have seen the offenders fleeing the scene, to get in touch.

The robbery happened at around 9.15pm on Thursday, October 11.

The first man is described as aged 20 and 25-years-old, about 5ft 7ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a grey hooded tracksuit top with the hood up, grey tracksuit bottoms, white gloves and black trainers. He spoke with a Liverpool accent.

The second man is described as white, aged 20 and 25-years-old and of slim build. He was wearing a black and grey tracksuit top, black tracksuit bottoms, leather gloves and white trainers. He also spoke with a Liverpool accent.

Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Police on 101.