Police release CCTV images as part of Newport robbery investigation

At around 11.20am on Saturday, a cashier at Britannia on High Street was threatened into handing over a significant quantity of cash to a man who appeared to be holding a handgun.

The cashier filled a carrier bag - which the man provided - with the money and the man then left the bank, walking back onto High Street.

The man is described as white, in his 30s, of a slim build and was either balding or had closely cropped hair. He was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.

He also wore a distinctive pair of very dark, wraparound sunglasses.

Speaking about this incident, Detective Inspector Billy Scott, from CID in Telford, said:

“Although thankfully no-one was injured in this incident, staff and customers were understandably left extremely shaken.

“On receiving the report about this robbery, firearms response officers immediately attended the scene. A thorough search of the area was carried out but unfortunately, the man was not located and it seems likely he had already left the vicinity.

“We would now like to ask for help from the public as we try to identify the man captured in the CCTV images we have released today. It is important we trace this man as soon as we can so anyone who believes they may recognise him is asked to contact us as soon as possible.

“We also remain keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this man leave the bank or noticed him in the moments leading up to the robbery. Newport High Street was very busy on Saturday morning and therefore we believe there may be people out there who can give us more information about this man.

“In addition, anyone who was inside the bank at the time of the incident and who we have not already spoken to is also urged to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact police 0300 333 3000 quoting reference 243-s-290613 or the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.