Efit Released After Little Chef Armed Robbery

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after an armed robbery at a Little Chef restaurant – with an e-fit being released.

The incident took place at approximately 6.30am on Thursday, 31 March 2011 at the Little Chef restaurant on the A31 at Winterborne Zelston, near Bere Regis.

Two men entered the premises and threatened the two female members of staff before making off with a quantity of money.

Both men carried a hand gun and wore items to cover their faces, believed to be either black scarves or balaclavas.

The offenders left the scene in a blue Honda estate car with a 2003 registration plate, which was stolen from one of the victims.

The vehicle was quickly located outside the Botany Bay public house where it had been abandoned.

A few days before this incident took place – on Sunday, 27 March 2011 – two men were seen acting suspiciously near to the Little Chef restaurant and an e-fit of one of these men is now being released. 

The man pictured in the e-fit is described as aged in his twenties, white, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with dark hair. He was wearing a light coloured, short sleeve top and blue jeans.

The second man is described as aged in his late forties or early fifities, white, with short dark greying hair. He is described as ‘thick set’ and shorter than the first man.

Detective Sergeant Ian Fletcher, of Bournemouth CID, said

 “I am appealing for witnesses, and anyone with any information about this incident, to contact me as soon as possible.

“I also need to hear from anyone who recognises the descriptions of the two men seen acting suspiciously in the area a few days before the robbery took place.

“I’m keen to speak to these two men urgently as they may have information that will assist with the investigation.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the two members of staff and I’m determined to find those responsible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 22 22 22 quoting incident number 31:55. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.