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An unemployed Londoner saw his fortunes reverse dramatically when he raked in nearly £60,000 on a £1.40 bet, described as the most incredible punt ever.

Steve Sales, 54, from Sutton, scooped £57,990.20 when he placed a wager on three Scottish football teams to win by seven goals to nil in their respective cup matches.

Mr Sales, who admitted he knew “nothing” about football north of the border, beat combined odds of 276,000-1 when Dundee, Inverness and Ross County all won by the scoreline.

His win was described by betting bosses as the most incredible they had witnessed after he placed the wager at Betfred in Sutton High Street.

Mr Sales, who worked as a removal man until a shoulder injury forced him to give up work 18 months ago, said the win was a “lifeline”.

He said: "No one could believe it.

“They are so patient in there (Betfred) putting on my tiny bets and they were as pleased as me that I had won so much.

“That money is a lifeline for me it really is. First thing I’m doing is sorting out a luxury cruise to the Caribbean or Mediterranean for my mum June who deserves a break after looking after my dad who has been ill for a long time.

“There will also be treats for my grown up children.

“For me? Well I have had a few drinks with my friends as you can imagine but what I am looking forward to most is being able to afford to keep the electricity on all the time at home and fill the fridge with food like other people do.

“Maybe this will signal a change in my fortunes with my shoulder getting better and me getting a job.

“Apart from Celtic and Rangers I know nothing about Scottish football. On Saturday I was thinking a few goals would be handy especially with Ross County only one nil up at half time.

“Then all the three games were 6-0 with the seventh goals going in on the 87,88 and 89th minutes…those three minutes have transformed my life.

“It is amazing to win so much from such a tiny stake in what is effectively a hobby.”

Betfred boss Fred Done said: “I have been in this game fifty years and never before has there been such an unbelievable winning bet.

“I’m absolutely delighted for Steve. He must have been the only person on earth to predict three seven nil victories in one afternoon.”