Betfred robber was armed with a knife

Andrew Siddall's image was circulated by police

Police were called to the Betfred store on Westcliffe Drive, Layton, Blackpool, on December 11 last year.

Officers launched a manhunt for Andrew Peter Siddall, 47, of no fixed abode, circulating his image to the public, and he was arrested the next day.

Two members of staff were threatened at knife-point during the incident, although neither were hurt.

Appearing at Preston Crown Court by video link from HMP Preston, Siddall pleaded guilty to robbing the Betfred store of £220, and to possessing an offensive weapon, namely a kitchen knife.

The cash was taken from the till and betting machines.

Siddall has a history of similar offences.

In 2015 he hit the headlines when he was jailed for 56 months after threatened a woman at knife-point during a terrifying raid at the Ladbrokes bookmakers on Church Street, Blackpool.

He was caught on camera after he forgot to cover his face.

At the time the court was told he hailed from the Coventry area but had been placed on a drug treatment programme in the resort.

Judge Robert Altham adjourned the case until February 19, when he will appear to be sentenced.