A MAN has been arrested and another remains outstanding following an armed robbery at a betting shop in Wrexham.

The incident happened at the Coral Racing Bookmakers on Chester Road in Garden Village at around 6.30pm on Thursday, when two men on a motorbike pulled up outside the shop.

North Wales Police confirm one person, wearing a crash helmet and armed with an imitation handgun entered the premises, threatened staff and stole cash from the till.

The offenders made off on the motorcycle, but almost immediately collided with a vehicle on the corner of Kenyon Avenue and Chester Road. They then fled on foot.
Officers recovered the firearm and motorbike at the scene and a 24-year-old man was arrested later in the evening.

DI Mark Hughes said; “Thankfully the shop staff were not hurt during this terrifying incident and a man from Wrexham has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and is currently in custody at Llay Divisional Headquarters.

“We are still seeking a second man in connection to this crime and I would ask any witnesses to the incident or anyone with information which could help us trace the other suspect please call us on 101 or https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support quoting reference Y024207."

The store remained closed on Thursday morning whilst police officers were at the scene.

Staff members at the Co-op said a similar event happened to them at Easter time last year.

One staff member, who did not wish to be named, said they were victim to an armed robbery where offenders had a knife.

However they said although there is that 'thought at the back of your mind' there is no 'real fear' of coming to work and thinking 'will we get robbed today'.

A passerby told the Leader: "It is worrying when you hear of something like this happening.

"We live in a world now where this is becoming the norm and it does make you worry.

"We heard about an incident not far from here about a home being broken into. It's just terrifying."