A THIRD armed raid in the West End within seven days is being probed by detectives.

A man burst into the William Hill bookmakers in Byres Road and threatened a female member of staff with a firearm before escaping with several hundred pounds. The incident, around 5.15pm yesterday, is the third in Glasgow's West End recently.

A man targeted Ladbrokes on Dumbarton Road last Thursday at 12.55pm.

And the next day, Farmfoods on Byres Road was robbed.

Nobody was injured in yesterday's robbery, although the woman threatened was badly shaken.

The suspect is described as in his 30s, between 5ft 8in and 6ft. He was wearing a black beanie hat and a grey jacket.

Appealing for witnesses today, DI Andy McWilliam of West End police office said: "I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Byres Road, near the bookmakers, between 5 and 5.20pm on Thursday, and may have witnessed the suspect hanging around outside the premises before the robbery took place, or running away afterwards."

Police have arrested a 34-year-old man over the Ladbrokes incident. He was due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.