Robber in clown mask threatens to shoot staff
SHOP WORKERS TERRIFIED DURING CIGS AND CASH RAID
TWO robbers – one wearing a clown mask – threatened to shoot supermarket workers in a terrifying raid.
Three members of staff at the Sainsbury’s Local store in Prestwich were ordered to crouch down on the ground after the masked thugs burst inside as the store on Bury New Road was about to close.
Police said they were told they would be shot unless a till was opened. Cigarettes and cash were taken in the robbery.
Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A spokesman for GMP said no one was injured. Although threats were made there were no reports of a gun being seen, the force said.
One of the two raiders however was carrying an item wrapped in a black plastic bag.
Officers were scrambled to the scene at around 10.50pm on Friday.
The spokesman said: “The staff members were told to crouch on the ground before one of the offenders demanded that somebody open the till or else he would shoot them. Once the till was opened, the two began stealing cash before one of them climbed over the counter and started clearing out the cigarette display.
“The pair left the store a short time later and thankfully nobody was injured during the incident.”
Both men were described as white. The second robber was wearing a hooded top he tightened to cover his face. A source at the shop told the M.E.N. the thieves had only managed to get away with around £300, mostly in coins, and some cigarettes.
“There was only one lad on the tills and he’s quite shaken up,” the source said.
“You can see the clown mask on the CCTV, it looks like Silence of the Lambs.”
Det Sgt Laurence Dixon, of Bury CID, said the workers were left in fear of their lives.
He said: “Although threats were made to shoot were made, there has not been any confirmed sighting of a firearm. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information regarding the robbery that happened at Sainsbury’s on Bury New Road.
“The incident left the members of staff present fearing for their lives, which is something nobody should have to face when they come into work.
“If you think you may have any information that can assist our investigation then I would urge you to please contact police.”
Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 8513, quoting incident number 2200 of August 24, 2018, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.