Detectives investigating an attempted robbery at a Poole store are appealing for witnesses to come forward – with CCTV images of the suspect being released.
At around 3.50pm on Friday 5 June, a man entered Central Stores on Haven Road in Canford Cliffs.
He approached a member of staff at the counter and demanded cash from the tills.
The suspect brandished a metallic hand tool and made threats to harm the two members of staff if they did not do as he asked.
One member of staff managed to activate a panic alarm and on hearing this the suspect ran from the store.
The suspect is described as white, approximately five feet ten inches tall, of slim build and aged in his early 30s. He has short brown hair that was combed down neatly, was wearing dark sunglasses, a purple polo shirt, light denim coloured shorts and light coloured trainers.
Detective Constable Stephanie Ashworth, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a terrifying and shocking ordeal for the staff members. The suspect’s actions were even more concerning as there were a number of young school children at the next till when he approached the counter.
“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident or recognises the suspect to please call me urgently.
“The store was very busy at the time and a number of customers arrived and left both before and immediately after the incident.
“I would especially like to speak to two men who spoke to staff immediately after the incident and may have seen the suspect run out of the store.”
