A man went into Ladbrokes in Brockenhurst Road yesterday evening (Saturday) at about 8.45pm and threatened staff with a wooden baton, before making off with cash from the shop's safe.

The offender is described as 5ft 10ins and is aged about 19 years old. He was wearing a dark-coloured tracksuit top, trainers, a hood and had a scarf covering his face.

It is the second time in just over a week the shop has been robbed, after two men threatened staff with a crowbar on Friday, February 6, before leaving with cash.

Detective Inspector Nicola Hurdley, from Berkshire Force CID, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw a person matching the description of the offender or anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the incident.

“A robbery took place at the same bookmakers’ shop on February 6 and officers are investigating both incidents. At this stage it is not known whether the robberies are linked. I would like to speak to anyone with any information regarding either robbery.

“House to house enquiries have been completed in the area and officers will be providing businesses with extra crime prevention advice.” Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.