Hooded raider in bookmakers heist

Around €1,000 was robbed from a busy Dublin city centre bookmakers by a hooded raider, gardai revealed today.

The lone culprit walked into Ladbrokes in Camden Street yesterday afternoon and threatened staff as shocked customers looked on.

The man, aged in his late 20s, arrived by taxi at around 4.30pm and told the driver to park in nearby Pleasant Street while he carried out the heist.

While gardaí are unsure whether he was armed, CCTV images reveal he jumped over the counter and demanded money from frightened workers.

Within minutes he left the bookies and got back into the waiting taxi, which turned right onto Heythesbury Street towards Kevin Street.

Gardaí said they do not believe the taxi driver was in on the robbery or was aware of what had happened.

The robber is described as being between 5’8” and 5’9” in height wearing light blue jeans, a blue jacket with the hood up on his head and white runners.

He was carrying a small dark coloured bag.

Gardaí are appealing for the driver of the red old style Toyota or Nissan taxi and any other witnesses to come forward.

Gardaí at Harcourt Terrace are investigating.