Hemel: Man Badly Hurt After Air-Pistol Attack

23 November 2012, 13:06 | Updated: 23 November 2012, 13:44

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an armed robbery at a shop in Hemel Hempstead in which a member of staff was injured.

The incident happened at just gone 3pm yesterday (November 22) when an offender went into the Dawn to Dusk off-licence in The Heights.

He stole alcohol and during the course of the incident discharged what is believed to be an air pistol causing a member of staff to suffer facial injuries.
 
The offender then left the shop in the direction of Jupiter Drive.
 
The suspect was a man of around 6ft tall and of a slim build. He was wearing a balaclava and gloves.
 
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins told Heart: “This was an extremely serious incident and the member of staff has been left with significant injuries.
 
It is important we trace this offender as soon as possible and whilst investigations are on-going with a dedicated team of detectives I am appealing to members of the public to assist us.
 
If you were in the area at the time and believe you saw anything suspicious please call police without delay. I would also appeal to anyone who believes they may know the offender to call police or Crimestoppers anonymously, this man deserves no protection.
 
Whilst incidents of nature are not a regular occurrence, understandably they can cause concern. I would like to reassure members of the business and wider communities that we are using every tool available to us as part of our investigations and that extra patrols are being conducted in the area.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number D1/12/6964. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.