UPDATED: Police are tonight (Tuesday) hunting a man who has entered a Ryde Co-Operative store wearing a balaclava before assaulting at least one member of staff and terrifying shoppers.
The masked individual ran into the convenience store on Somerset Road, Elmfield at around 22:20 before jumping over the shop counter then fleeing the scene, prompting Police from across the Island to respond to the incident off Marlborough Road.
It is currently unclear if a weapon was used in the robbery, however it is thought the suspect was chased down the road by onlookers after assaulting three members of staff.
Officers are now searching the area and looking for any possible CCTV footage, as well as taking witness statements.
One shopper has told Island Echo they were ‘trapped inside’ during the ‘violent robbery’, which has left them very shaken and scared. They have compared the robber’s behaviour to ‘The Hulk’.
This latest shocking incident comes following two armed robberies on Welcome Co-Operative stores in Sandown and Shanklin in the past few weeks, which have all occurred at around 22:30, shortly before the stores close at 23:00. It is currently unclear if Police are linking tonight’s incident with the previous two.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY @ 10:55 – Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that they are investigating a robbery at the Co-Operative store in Somerset Road last night in which a suspect made off with £80.
Three staff members were assaulted during the robbery, in which a male demanded money from the tills. He made off from the scene with £80 in cash.
One of the staff members has been treated at St Mary’s Hospital for a cut to one of his eyes.
The male suspect is described as:
– White
– Aged in his 30’s
– 5’ 7-8” tall
– Stocky Build
– Tribal tattoo on his lower arm
– He was wearing a black balaclava, black round neck t-shirt and green / dark coloured trousers
Police believe last night’s incident may be linked to the previous two similar robberies in Sandown and Shanklin.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY @ 16:00 – The Somerset Road Co-Operative store is closed ‘until further notice’ following last night’s robbery.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting 44160105160. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
