A TARTAN scarf-wearing robber jumped over a counter and sprayed an employee in the face at a Swindon bookmakers before making off with cash.

Customers tried to stop the man, thought to be in his early 20s, as he tried to leave the store while the member of staff was on the phone to the police.

The man entered the William Hill bookmakers in Covingham Square shortly before 7pm on Tuesday and sprayed a member of staff in the face with an unknown substance.

He then snatched an undisclosed amount of cash from the till and made his escape on foot towards the Larksfield Road area.

The man was white, around 5ft 7in, and slim with short hair.

He wore a dark T-shirt, thought to have a yellow logo, and dark jeans. Another description included a dark ripped shirt.

A colleague was leaving the premises as the man entered, and police believe the robber was possibly wearing a tartan scarf over his face.

Police carried out a door-to-door search in the surrounding area, and also spoke to dog walkers.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact DC Williams of Swindon CID on 0845 408 7000.