Moments before armed £28k raid
A pair of suspected armed robbers were caught on camera scoping out a Newcastle supermarket hours before a £28,000 raid on a security van.
Police are investigating a gunpoint robbery outside ASDA in Lemington at around 2.10pm on December 2.
Officers have now released CCTV footage of two men on a motorbike surveying the scene in the hope that a member of the public can help identify them.
Police said the offenders arrived at the supermarket on High Row on a motorbike before one of them dismounted and threatened a G4S security guard with a firearm.
The robbers then demanded he hand over the secure case containing an estimated £28,000 before they fled in the direction of the B&Q at the end of Scotswood Road, detectives say.
Later that day a motorbike was found abandoned and set on fire on a field commonly used by dog walkers near Lockhaugh Farm, in Rowlands Gill.
Police later discovered the motorcycle to have been stolen.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Knox said: “The CCTV clearly shows that this crime involved a degree of sophistication, the two offenders can be clearly seen carrying out a reccy of the area.
“An offence like this does suggest an element of planning because it’s a big step to carry out what is an extremely serious crime with a firearm. We know they had possession of a handgun at the time of the robbery.
“Most experienced firearms officers would have difficulty telling the difference between the real thing an a good imitation firearm but officers responding to this offence will certainly be operating on the assumption that it’s genuine.”
Officers have been reviewing CCTV, carrying out house-to-house enquiries and using forensics to close in on the offenders.
They have appealed to members of the public who saw the robbery or believe they saw the two men on the bike that day to come forward.
DCI Knox revealed more detail about the terrifying assault inflicted on the G4S security guard: “When one of the offenders approached the security guard, he struck him from behind with the gun and then there was an altercation. The gun was then thrust towards the guard and he’s forced to release the box containing the cash.”