Video footage has been released showing an attempted armed robbery at a bookmakers in Preston.

Two men can be seen approaching the counter and threatening a member of staff with a large knife.

Police said they have released the footage in a bid to encourage people to come forward with information after the staff member involved was left ‘terrified’.

The incident happened at around 11.50am on Sunday 4 October at the Betfred in Watling Street Road, Fulwood.

The staff member refused to hand over any money to the men, so one of them jumped on to the counter and made further demands.

The victim managed to push him back before both men ran from the scene. Police say they headed into Wharfdale Avenue towards Silverdale Drive in the Brookfield estate.

CCTV stills showing the two men

The first man is described as white, approximately 5ft 8ins tall and was wearing a black shiny bomber jacket, dark blue jeans and a black shiny baseball cap with a black and white chequered scarf covering his face.

The second man is described as approximately 5ft 3ins tall and was dressed in black.

DC 2188 Darren Caunce from Preston CID said: “We are determined to find these two men who left the staff member terrified.

“Our enquiries are on-going and I am asking anyone who may recognise them or who knows anything about this incident at all, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 01772 209755 or they can call 101 quoting crime reference SA1511209.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.