Police seek suspect after Swindon shop worker is threatened with knife

Wiltshire Police has issued CCTV images of a hooded man it is urgently seeking after a female shop assistant in Swindon was threatened with a knife.

Officers were called to Tesco Express in the Abbey Meads village centre just before 10pm on Friday night (10 March) after staff raised the alarm.

Det Sgt Scott Anger said: “The man grabbed the woman’s right arm tightly and pulled her towards the tills, demanding money. He was armed with what was described as a kitchen knife which he pointed towards her throat.

“He fled with a quantity of notes, turning left out of the shop, in Elstree Way, and then down an alley alongside.

“The suspect is described as between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in, skinny, in his late teens or early 20s, wearing rectangular glasses and a black hoodie and jacket with navy blue balaclava. He had light blue jeans with rips in one of the knees and dark trainers with two sets of stripes.

“I would appeal to anyone who recognises the suspect to contact Wiltshire Police CID urgently by calling 101. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

“I am also very keen to hear from witnesses who were in the store at the time or immediately before or after who may have seen the suspect hanging around or making his escape.

“Thankfully such armed incidents are not common. I hope the CCTV images will lead someone to call in with the information we need.”