Four Arrested After Off-Licence Robbery

Four men have been arrested after a robbery at a Portsmouth off-licence.

It happened at a convenience store on Clarendon Road, Southsea, at around 5.40am on Saturday (Nov 28th).

A group of five people forced their way into the store as the papers were being delivered.

One of them assaulted the male shop assistant, 27, by hitting him around the face, causing minor injuries.

They stole bottles of wine and spirits and cigarettes and threw some of the bottles at the CCTV cameras to try and damage them.

Following initial enquiries, police arrested and questioned four Portsmouth men, aged 17, 18, 20 and 21, on suspicion of robbery. All were bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Amanda Waite from Portsmouth CID said: 

“The total cost of the stolen goods and damage is unknown but is thought to be in excess of £1,000.

“An unknown man on a motorbike spotted the offenders running down the road and spoke to the shopkeeper. I’d like to hear from that man.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who saw or heard the offenders running away after the incident throwing the bottles as they went.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Waite at Fratton police station on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.