Masked men rob Bayston Hill store of cigarettes
Staff at a shop in Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury were this morning locked in a room as three masked men stole a large quantity of cigarettes.
The robbery happened at the Spar store on Lansdowne Road, Bayston Hill, shortly after 6am as staff were opening up.
Detective Sergeant John Weaver said the two male members of staff were jumped by masked men, who forced their way into the shop as the premises were being opened.
“One of the staff members was manhandled suffering a slight injury to his face. The offenders loaded cigarettes into a large bag before fleeing, leaving the staff locked in a room.”
He said the alarm was raised at 6.25am and urged people to come forward if they spotted anything suspicious which might be connected.
“This is a busy residential area and almost certainly the three men involved will have been seen by passers-by on their way to work, people perhaps walking their dogs, or tradespeople making deliveries.
“I am appealing to anyone who saw anything in that area which might be related to this robbery to please contact Shrewsbury CID by calling 101 as a matter of urgency.”
DS Weaver said it was likely the gang had a getaway vehicle parked up nearby which may have been in the area for some time prior to 6am while the men were preparing to make their move.
“It’s really important people call us as soon as possible if they saw anything at all, however insignificant it may seem,” he added.
Detectives are continuing their inquiries including making a full debrief of the shop staff. Officers will also be carrying out house to house inquiries in the immediate area of the shop.
Information concerning the possible identity of the robbers can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 for which a reward may be paid.
