Armed Robbery In Kempston

6 July 2010, 12:29 | Updated: 6 July 2010, 12:42

Police are continuing to hunt for a man who threatened staff with a knife before making off with cash and cheques from the safe of Thomas Cook travel agents in Kempston.

They were called on the morning of Friday 2 July at around 9.40am and conducted a thorough search of the area.

Just before 10am a man entered the travel agents on Bedford Road, Kempston, coming from the direction of the nearby park area. He closed the door of the shop behind him and asked for the manager. When she made herself known to him he pulled out a kitchen knife and threatened her. She was forced to open the safe and put money and cheques into three JD Sports drawer string sports bags. He then left the shop through the service door at the rear, possibly heading back towards the park.

Police arrived minutes later and began an intensive search of the surrounding streets, park and allotment areas but were unable to locate the man.

He is described as a black man, between 25 and 30, possibly of African origin, with stubble and possibly a moustache (although this may be false). He was wearing black clothing, black trainers with a grey or light blue hoodie under which he wore a white baseball cap which had side flaps. He also wore Aviator sun glasses.

Detective Constable Andre Tringham investigating said: “This was an audacious robbery but could have easily led to serious injuries if the man had used his weapon. We are asking local people to help us to catch him before he hurts someone. We are releasing CCTV of the robbery to help trigger people’s memories and see if anyone recognises the offender.

“If anyone saw this man leaving the Bedford road area or has any information about the robbery please call me directly or use the Crimestoppers line to leave information anonymously. We must stop him before someone gets hurt.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Andre Tringham on 01234 841212, or text to 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.