POLICE have confirmed two bookmakers have been targeted by robbers in the same area of York in the last two days.

A 26-year-old local man was arrested today at 3.15pm in connection with one of the robberies, and remains in police custody.

Officers were called to Ladbrokes in Front Street, Acomb, at about 8.30am yesterday after a man threatened shop staff with violence.

The incident has only just been confirmed by police, who initially said it had happened today.

A spokeswoman said it was not yet clear whether the man had a weapon, and they could not confirm how much money the robber had made off with, but The Press understands hundreds of pounds was stolen in yesterday's raid.

In a second incident, a man tried to jump over the counter at the Coral bookmakers in Beckfield Lane at about 1.30pm today.

The police spokeswoman said no money was stolen in the second incident, and the man ran away from the shop empty handed.

She said the 26-year-old local man had been arrested in connection with the attempted robbery at Coral bookmakers, and remains in police custody.

The Press understands police are currently carrying out patrols in the Acomb area in connection with the robberies.

Officers have currently cordoned off an alleyway off Celtic Close, near Beckfield Lane, and are preventing the public from entering.

The spokeswoman said this was a move to preserve potential evidence in connection with the attempted robbery, and not due to a live incident.

More to follow.