Shop assistants left terrified by Wellington Store attempted robbery
Police are appealing for information after a group of men burst into a Wellington store and demanded cash, leaving three female shop assistants terrified.
Three men, wearing balaclavas, went into the Co-Op store in Bagley Drive at around 9.50pm last night, shortly before staff were about to close the store.
One of the offenders then grabbed a female shop assistant and pushed her into shelving, demanding to know where the money was.
The group made their way to the till area and made further demands for cash to another female shop assistant, who is pregnant.
One of the men jumped over the counter and continued to make threats. The woman begged the offender not to hurt her or her unborn child. Another member of staff was able to raise the alarm and call police.
The offenders left empty handed on foot and made their way along a footpath leading towards Colemere Drive.
Police arrived within minutes and carried out a detailed search of the area but the suspects had fled.
Investigations are continuing today with scenes of crime officers combing the store for clues. Officers are also analysing CCTV and carrying out house to house enquiries.
Detective Constable Allan Black, of Telford CID, is urging anyone with information to come forward.
He said: "The shop assistants have been left extremely scared by what happened while they were at work last night. They were left in fear of their lives and the pregnant shop assistant was extremely concerned for the welfare of her unborn child.
"This is a despicable crime, which has caused the utmost distress and upset to the three female workers concerned."
He added: "The store is located within a residential area so we are hoping that a resident or a passer-by may have seen something that could help us with our enquiries.
"It is highly likely that the suspects were hanging around the area in the run up to the attempted robbery. Did you see three men acting suspiciously in the Bagley Drive area or its vicinity? If so it is vital you contact us."
Any information should be passed to Telford CID on 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
