A distraught pregnant woman waited in vain for Police after a man threatened to kill her at work yesterday.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, told The Royal Gazette she was alone in the Littlewoods Pools office on Church Street around 8.30 a.m. when the man, who played the pools, came in and began using foul language.

Convinced that he had won "the big prize'', the woman said the man -- who had been verbally abusive to her and another female employee in the past -- threatened to kill her.

"He said `Oh, you people are ripping me off. You better watch it. I'm either going to get you with a knife or a gun. And your daddy or your brother cannot help you. You'll be dead','' said the woman who was sent home after the ordeal.

In tears and shaking, the woman -- who is five months pregnant -- said she contacted Hamilton Police Station minutes after the man left.

"They said they would send someone around,'' she said. "But at least half an hour passed and no-one came.'' Meanwhile, the woman called her employer Mr. Barry Kessel at home and left a blood-chilling message on his machine.

She said she called Police a second time and was told no-one had attended her initial call as there were no Policewomen available.

The woman said she would have been grateful to see any officer.

But she said after giving Police a description of the man over the phone she was told that the man was not considered dangerous and under the law, Police could not arrest him unless he had breached a restraining order.

"The officer advised me to send a registered letter to him from a lawyer, stating he is not allowed on the premises. And if he does come near hear after that, call the Police,'' she said.

But she stressed the advice was of no consolation to her because restraining orders could be breached and would not deter someone determined to cause harm.

"That does not make me feel better,'' she said. "If this guy can get a gun, how will I have time to call Police?.

"I don't want him anywhere near me. He's terrified me. My hands are still shaking.'' Mr. Kessel told The Royal Gazette when he learned of the incident, he ordered the employee to close up the office and go home.

But he also said he was shocked to learn that Police had not responded to the report.

"What does someone have to do to get help, wait to be stabbed?'' Mr. Kessel asked.

When contacted yesterday, Police spokeswoman Insp. Roseanda Jones said the woman's complaint was "extremely alarming'' to Police.

"At this moment, we are attempting to find out the full circumstances surrounding this matter,'' she added.

"Under normal circumstances when an urgent call is received, we respond immediately using whatever unit is available, that includes drawing from other units or divisions if necessary.

"We respond to calls whether a restraining order is in effect or not.'' Sgt. Jones said she understood that a formal complaint had been lodged and it was therefore improper for Police to comment on specific details of the case.

But she said: "An investigation will be carried out and, where necessary, the appropriate action will be taken.'' CRIME CRM