Knife robbers strike again

From the archive, first published Thursday 8th Mar 2007.

ARMED robbers have struck again, this time targeting a newsagent.

The robbery happened on Saturday night at The Paper Shop in Crescent Road, Warley.

The intruders threatened a 35-year-old male shop assistant with a Stanley knife and ordered him to hand over cash from the till.

They escaped with more than £100 cash and several boxes of cigarettes, taken from a display behind the counter.

They were last seen heading off towards Kavanaghs Road. Police searched the area shortly afterwards, but could not find the men.

The owner of the shop, who did not want to be named, said his employee was badly shaken but not injured. He also said he would be doing everything within his power to ensure his business premises are secure.

The suspects, who were both white, had covered their faces with scarves.

The man with the knife wore black jeans and a black jacket. His accomplice wore jeans and a beige jacket.

This is the second armed robbery in the Brentwood area in the past month. Knife-wielding robbers targeted the BetFred betting shop, in Brentwood High Street on February 3.

In December, staff at Copperfields Food and Wine on Warley Hill were also threatened by a robber armed with a knife. He stole £300.

However, Sergeant Graham Shaw said Brentwood police will catch the perpetrators.

"We treat all crimes involving a weapon extremely seriously," he added. "We will deal with these criminals quickly, effectively and in a positive manner. Members of the public should not be alarmed."

Detectives have appealed for any witnesses to the most recent incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harlow police station on 01279 641212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.