A bungling robber who was caught in an arm lock while trying to steal cash from a bookmakers is being hunted by police.

The man distracted a member of staff in William Hill, Bookham by placing a string of bets, then rifled through the till draw while their back was turned.

His scheme backfired when the employee turned round and caught him in the act, before putting him in an arm lock and leaving him begging to be released.

The crook had already made off with a small amount of money by distracting staff in the Betfred bookmakers in Horley, lunging over the counter and pushing an employee out of his way to raid the till.

Police believe the same man may be responsible for a similar robbery in the Leatherhead Betfred on February 11.

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the crimes, which happened at 10am and 11.30am on February 15.

He is described as mixed race, between 6ft 2in and 6ft 4in tall, and aged in his late 20s to early 30s.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rachael Pearson said: “It is clear from the CCTV the same man is responsible for the robbery in Horley and the attempted robbery in Bookham and I need your help to identify him.

“I must stress no one has been injured during these incidents however the experience left the Horley staff member very shaken.

“It is possible the suspect travels by train so I am appealing to anyone who may have been waiting at either Horley or Bookham railway stations on Monday morning to please take a close look at this CCTV. Did you see this man?

“I hope that someone will recognise the suspect and come forward with his name.

“Maybe you saw this man either before or after the bookmakers’ were targeted, or perhaps you know who he is and can provide me with his name? With your help we can ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.”

Anyone with information can contact Surrey Police on 08451 252 222, quoting reference number RB/10/1406, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.