Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Axe-wielding thug robs cash and booze
POLICE are hunting a axe-wielding robber who targeted a lone worker at a shop in Arbroath.
The man, wearing a black face mask, entered Sam’s Store on Ponderlaw Street at 6.20am on Saturday, just 20 minutes after the store opened.
He seized just under £200 from staff member Roslyn Liddle, who was described as unharmed but shaken.
Owner Rana Khan told the Tele Roslyn had opened the shop at 6am.
He said: “The man walked in wearing a mask and gloves, walked to the counter, took the axe from his bag and demanded the cash from the till.
“After he was given the petty cash, he said he wanted a bottle of vodka and then demanded she give him a few packets of tobacco. He just put them in his bag and left. Thankfully, Roslyn is OK.”
Police arrived on the scene quickly and closed the store temporarily while undertaking further inquiries. Officers also took away CCTV footage.
Mr Kahn said he’d owned the shop for 15 years and, though there were regular incidents of shoplifting, he’d never encountered an incident like this. On a previous occasion, he managed to grab a shoplifters’ arm and hold on to him until police arrived.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The man is described as white, in his thirties and of a medium build.
He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, black jeans, a burgundy tammy and red trainers which have a white sole. He also wore a black face mask and carried a black rucksack over his shoulders.
Detective Constable Paul Hardie from Dundee CID said: “This was a frightening experience for the shop assistant involved who thankfully was not injured during the incident.
“Inquiries are ongoing to identify the man responsible and I would urge anyone who may have been in the area at this time and who may have seen this man to get in touch with us as soon as they can.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 0945, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.