A woman cashier at a Chippenham bookmakers stopped robbers fleeing with cash from Coral in the first of two attacks on town bookies.

She managed to hold on to the money after two men tricked her into opening a cash machine.

The attempted theft at Coral in Market Place took place on Wednesday evening.

The following night, two men carried out a robbery at next door Betfred.

They escaped with £1,730 but after a helicopter search and search with dogs a man was arrested, the cash recovered and a getaway car found.

Police are not currently linking the two incidents.

Sgt Allan George from Chippenham Police Station praised the quick actions of the Coral cashier.

He said: “The police would like to take the opportunity to praise the member of staff for her robust approach and steadfastness in the face of this attempted robbery.

“We would always urge the public to be careful in their assessment of potential conflict.

“However in this case the approach of the member of staff was rewarded as the men left without any cash.”

The cashier, whose name was not given, was in the betting shop at around 5.15pm on Wednesday when two men asked for help with a cash dispensing machine.

They claimed it was jammed and asked her to open it.

When she did so, they attempted to grab the money and run, but she held on to the money.

The following night a man walked into Betfred, and demanded cash.

He kept his hand in his pocket which may have given the impression he had a weapon.

A 37-year-old man from Bristol was arrested the same evening and a silver Peugeot 307 was discovered in Wood Lane. The man has not been charged.

A Betfred spokesman said the company does not comment on robberies. “However, we will be working with the police on all their inquiries,” he said.

Sgt Alex Reid of Chippenham police said: “The incident was certainly similar to the one of the previous night, but we are in the early stages of an investigation at this point.

“There were no threats of violence or sightings of weapons in either, although in the second, the man did have his hands in his pockets, which may have looked as if he had a weapon on his person.

“On both occasions, the men requested that the money was handed over.”

A spokesman for Coral said it would be reviewing its security arrangements.

Police are appealing for anybody in or near the premises to call Sgt Alex Reid at Chippenham police station on 08454 087000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.