Police Hunt Masked Robber

13 March 2012, 12:34 | Updated: 13 March 2012, 12:43

Bedfordshire's Police are hunting a masked man who held a knife to a woman shopworker's throat during a robbery.

It happened at the Co-op store in Manor Road, Caddington on the evening of Sunday 11 March 2012.

A man entered the store at 7.20pm and approached the counter.  He threatened the two female staff members with a large kitchen knife. He then held the knife to one of the victim’s throat and demanded that cash boxes were unlocked.

Bedfordshire Police say a substantial amount of money was taken by the offender who then fled the store.

Neither of the victims were hurt, but both are said to have been left extremely traumatised by the attack.

Detective Sergeant Marie Gresswell, who is investigating, is keen to speak with anyone who may have seen the raider prior to the robbery, or seen him running away.

The man – who was wearing a mask with two eyeholes and a hole for the mouth cut into it - was around five foot ten inches tall, of slim to medium build. He also wore a distinctive light blue/turquoise hooded top, dark jeans, white trainers and black gloves.

DS Gresswell said: “This was a terrifying attack which has left the shop staff feeling very upset and fearful. The attacker was extremely menacing and the staff genuine thought that he would harm them if they did not follow his instructions.

“We are in the process of examining CCTV footage but it is clear that a number of potential witnesses were either in the store or entered while the raid took place.

"We have already spoken to a number of individuals but I would really like to hear from anyone who was in the Manor Road area at the time, or anyone else who may have information – however small or insignificant they think it is – that could help us.

"Don’t dismiss your information as unimportant – even tiny details which don’t seem relevant now might become useful later on in the investigation.”

Anyone with information about this incident can contact DS Gresswell, in confidence, on 01582 473291, on the Bedfordshire Police non emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk-org.