A chain of bookmakers has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man who snatched cash from one of their branches earlier this week.

Yesterday, police released an e-fit of the man who stole cash from the bookies in Sunderland Road, Horden, in County Durham on Wednesday.

Ladbrokes has now offered what is described as a substantial reward for help tracking down the offender.

The man, described as being 20-years-old with a prominent bony nose, walked into the premises at about 5.45pm posing as a customer and engaged two members of staff in conversation about a race result.

A police spokesman said: "At one stage, he leapt onto the counter, forced open the till and snatched several hundred pounds in bank notes before fleeing the premises."

The culprit was around 6ft tall with a thin build and stubble on his face. He had brown eyes, which appeared to be glazed, spots on his cheeks and short, brown hair, which appeared gelled.

He was wearing a nylon glossy navy blue pullover, with a zip front and thin white stripe down each arm.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to ring Peterlee police on 0191-375 2611 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.