Man with hammer steals three-figure sum from West Lothian bookmakers

A man brandishing a hammer has stolen a three-figure sum from a bookmakers in West Lothian.

Police Scotland were called to the bookmakers in Pumpherston. Picture: TSPL

The armed robbery happened around 8.25pm yesterday, Wednesday, March 27, when a man entered the William Hill Bookmakers on Uphall Station Road in Pumpherston.

He demanded a female member of staff hand over a quantity of cash, before running off with it.

He was last seen walking on Uphall Station Road outside the shop. The staff member was not injured as a result of the incident.

The man was white, slim, around 5ft 10in tall and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a black jacket with the hood up, a black scarf, navy tracksuit trousers, white trainers and black gloves. He was also carrying a white carrier bag.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Batten, of Lothians and Scottish Borders Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Thankfully no one was hurt during this incident, but the staff member has been left badly shaken.

“We are currently pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace the man responsible. Be assured that we will use all resources at our disposal during this investigation, however we do need the public’s assistance.

“We ask would anyone who was in the Pumpherston area on the evening of Wednesday, March 27, and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch with police at their earliest convenience.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3857 of March 27, or anonymous via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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