A PAIR of armed robbers who targeted bookies across the south east have been jailed for a total of 26 years.

Nathan Ashton, from Reading, and Ohmar Pike were sentenced following a joint investigation by the Met's Flying Squad and Thames Valley Police.

The duo would burst into a bookies and wedge the door open to avoid being trapped during a nine month crime spree.

They threatened staff with a fake gun and threatened to shoot one man if he didn't hand over money.

The duo targeted bookies across High Wycombe and west London between February and October 2015.

Detective constable Lee Davison, of the Flying Squad, said: "Throughout this robbery spree, a number of people were threatened with what they believed to be a firearm.

"The amount of evidence against Ashton gave him no other option but to plead guilty; the jury also saw through Pike's testimony and convicted him.

"The Flying Squad is committed to catching dangerous criminals. In this case, by working with our counterparts at Thames Valley Police, we were able to link two men to these crimes and ensure that they will spend a lengthy period of time in prison."

Detectives first arrested Ashton in July 2015. Pike was later arrested in December the same year.

Ashton, 29, of Pitcroft Avenue Reading admitted conspiracy to rob and possess a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit offences.

Pike, 27, of St Hugh's Avenue, High Wycombe, was convicted of conspiracy to rob on Friday July 15. He was found not guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit offences.

Ashton was sentenced to 15 years at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, July 20, and Pike was sentenced to 11 years at the same court.