Robber strikes pensioner with gun

The robber ran off after hitting the elderly man over the head

A robber hit an 83-year-old man over the head with a gun in what police say was a "shocking and terrifying" robbery at a betting shop.

Greater Manchester Police have issued CCTV images of the robber, who targeted the Coral in Oldham, in the hope someone may recognise him.

About 10 customers were in the shop in Huddersfield Road when he threatened staff with a handgun.

The elderly man was hurt when he tried to stop the robber escaping.

The robber hit the pensioner with the butt of the gun before running off with money in the raid on 16 August. The man was not seriously hurt.

'Extremely shaken'

Det Con Colette Kelleher, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a shocking and terrifying incident for anyone who was in that betting shop at the time.

"It is fortunate nobody was more seriously injured, but the robbery did leave staff and customers extremely shaken.

"The CCTV image shows a very clear picture of this robber. It is vital he is caught and I would urge anyone who recognises him to call us."

The robber is described as a black man with light skin, or possibly of mixed race. He was between 6ft and 6ft 3in tall, in his early 20s and slim.

He had a local accent, and was wearing a dark anorak or parka with the hood up.