Detectives investigating a series of robberies at three betting shops have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak with in connection with the offences.

The first robbery happened at about 10am on Monday, February 15, when a man walked into the Betfred, in Victoria Road, Horley, and asked the employee for assistance in finding a football coupon. When the employee was dealing with his request the suspect lunged over the counter, pushed the employee out of the way and stole a small amount of money from the till.

No customers were in the shop at the time and the employee was not injured.

Then at 11.30am, the same suspect entered the William Hill betting shop on Church Road, Bookham, and placed a number of bets.

As the employee was distracted the suspect leaned over the counter and attempted to take money from the draw but the employee put the man in an arm lock leaving the suspect begging to be released.

The suspect is described as a mixed race man, between 6ft 2ins to 6ft 4ins tall, of athletic build and in his late 20s to mid 30s.

He was wearing dark jogging bottoms which had a white stripe down the leg, a dark jacket and a dark beanie hat.

These two incidents are similar to a robbery at Betfred bookmakers, on Kingston Road, Leatherhead, on Thursday, February 11.

A man entered the shop just after 10am and asked the employee for assistance in finding a football coupon.

When the employee was distracted the suspect demanded money and the cashier handed over a small quantity of cash. Again, it is believed this is the same suspect.

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 is urged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number RB/10/1406, or call Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555 111