Police investigating a robbery where staff at a Brentford bookies were stabbed and bound with tape have charged a man.

At 7am on January 16, the 57-year-old victim was opening the store on Ealing Road.

Police said the suspect barged past the victim and made his way into the store. He then bound her hands using electrical wire, struck her across the face, and demanded that she open the safe – which she could not, due to a timelock.

He remained with the victim for 45 minutes until the safe opened and continued to abuse her. He also stabbed her several times in her right arm.

When the safe unlocked the suspect made off with approximately £400. He was last seen running in towards Brook Road South.

Police have now charged Lewis Morris, 52, of no fixed address, in relation to the robbery.

He appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 21

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, April 18.