A SUSPECTED robber is being quizzed by detectives after a large sum of money was taken from a safe in a Pendle betting shop.

Police say the Betfred betting shop in Manchester Road, Nelson, was targeted in a robbery on Friday night.

Det Sgt Steve Holgate, of Nelson CID, said the robber used force and threatened staff with violence during the raid, which occurred at around 7.30pm.

He was taken to the safe, from which he is thought to have removed a large amount of money before fleeing across the pedestrianised precinct.

Lancashire Police were immediately contacted and, after making enquiries, they arrested a man from a property which they searched nearby.

Now police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about the robbery to come forward.

DS Holgate added: "The man has left the premises with a large amount of money and are enquiries into the incident are still at an early stage."

The man, who is said to be local and has not been named, was initially taken to Burnley police station for questioning. He remained in police custody last night (Sunday).

Detectives are expected to examine CCTV footage of the area during the course of their investigation.

The precinct is home to a number of banks and building societies and the betting shop itself is located at the rear of Pendle Rise shopping centre.

Staff at Betfred, part of the Warrington-based Done Brothers betting empire, refused to comment about the raid.

Potential witnesses are asked to call Nelson CID on 01282 472643.