A bookies safe containing nearly £5,000 has been stolen from Egremont. 

Thieves escaped with the money after breaking the lock to force entry at Coral Bookmakers on Main Street. 

Staff member Marina House discovered the break-in when she arrived for work this morning. 

She said: "When I went to open up the lock was already out, I went in to have a look and halfway something clicked. I went back outside to phone my manager in case someone was upstairs."

Once her manager - Karen Cunningham - arrived the pair entered the shop to discover the safe - and £4,800 - was missing. 

"She arrived in 10 minutes and we went in together, I couldn't believe it. That safe is so heavy, even for four people," said Marina. 

"I have worked in bookmaking for 26 years and this is the third time I have discovered a break-in. The first and second time they never got any money. 

"This time I am really shocked at how on Earth they have managed to take this safe, it was bolted to the floor. They knew what they were doing." 

Police arrived at the scene and took fingerprints before the shop could reopen at noon. 

The incident happened between 10.30pm Wednesday and 7.30am Thursday. 

Police are currently investigating and urge anyone with any information to come forward.