Armed duo terrorise shop staff

Aug 17 2006 By Julia Kennard, The Journal

Robbers armed with a claw hammer terrorised staff at a North store before stealing £900.

And in a separate attack, an elderly clubman had £1,000 taken as he was delivering cash to a bank.

Robbers targeted the Spar shop in West Dudley, North Tyneside, on Tuesday armed with a claw hammer and demanded cash from the two female staff members.

The robbers, who struck just before closing time at 9.45pm, are believed to have left the area in a silver or gold coloured vehicle with £900.

A police spokesman said: "The two females were not physically injured but both were suffering from shock as a result of the attack."

Meanwhile, robbers stole £1,000 from a clubman as he went to deliver a cash bag to a bank, leaving their victim shocked and distressed.

The 72-year old, who is a regular at Gosforth Empire Club, was walking along Salters Road, in Gosforth, Newcastle, taking the raffle and bingo money to the bank on Tuesday. Just before 10.42am the man was grabbed by a robber and held while another snatched the cash bag from his hands.

The man was shaken but unhurt and could only watch as the men fled towards Woodbine Road.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said the victim may have been followed or targeted by someone who had been drinking in the club or knew the club routine.

Yesterday(wed) a member of the club, who did not want to be named, said the news had shocked and upset many people.

He said: "It has left the man terribly shaken up and shocked. We are struggling to understand why this should happen."

One of the robbers was around 5ft 6in, and slim. The other was 5ft 8in or taller. Both were around 25 to 30 with light brown cropped hair and wearing tracksuit or sports jackets.

Acting Det Insp Paul Young, said they needed to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity yesterday and saw the robbery to contact Etal Lane police station.