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, 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 on to the counter, forced open the till and snatched several hundred pounds in bank notes before fleeing the premises."

The culprit was about 6ft, thin and with 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 a 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.