It has been revealed that a staff member was cashing up at the New Pavilion Becks Bar area at about 5.55pm on Thursday when he was approached by a man.

Cheshire police spokewoman Rachel Hayes said: "He was threatened by a man holding a syringe. The man then escaped with £250 cash."

The barman was not injured but was left shaken.

The robber has been described as white, of medium build, about 5ft 6in, with short blond spiky hair.

He was wearing a black T-shirt with white lettering and black three-quarter length trousers.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should call PC Neil Busby on 0845 458 0000. Information can also be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.

The incident occurred at a record-breaking annual May Festival race meeting on The Roodee, attended by nearly 65,000 people.

The warm weather is thought to have been a factor in attracting so many to the three-day event on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week.

Day one of the meeting was described as "excellent" with a crowd of 17,960 – 500 more than the previous year.

On Thursday – Ladies Day – a crowd of 22,300 turned up at the course.
Tickets for the County Stand and Tattersall's Stand were sold out in advance.

The final day on Friday, known as City Day, attracted the biggest turnout of 24,264.

Football star Michael Owen, former Liverpool legend John Barnes and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made appearances in their private boxes.

Other celebrities at the meeting included Hollyoaks actress Ashley Slanina-Davies, who plays Amy Barnes, and who filmed for the Channel Four races programme.

Staff from Chester City FC were at the meeting on Wednesday, including owner Stephen Vaughan and managing director Bob Gray.

Chief executive Richard Thomas said: "It's been a fantastic three days and the crowds have been brilliant.

"We've had an attendance of 24,264 today and nearly 65,000 over the three days which is a record for the May meeting.

"After a shower before racing we got away with good weather again today (Friday).

"The racing has been top class and it's on to June now."