Ipswich shop worker speaks of knife terror

IPSWICH: A young shop worker today told of her terror at being held-up at knifepoint by six masked armed raiders.

To send a link to this page to a friend, simply enter their email address below.

The message will include the name and email address you gave us when you signed up.

Email address

  Send link

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

Detectives said one of the offenders had a sword, with a blade measuring more than 12ins long, while four others had knives or similar bladed weapons.

As a result of Tuesday night’s robbery at the Spar shop in Freehold Road, Ipswich, The Star is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.

The shop worker, who did not want to be identified, said: “They walked in in single file.

“They all came in so quickly. They pushed us into the corner behind the counter and ordered us to tell them where the money was kept.

“My colleague was saying ‘Take what you want’.

“He had a knife to his throat and I had another sharp object put to my neck.

“They bundled us to the store room at the back of the shop.

“They turned all the lights off in the shop and told us to get on the floor.

“They put tape round our wrists and mouths and were all shouting to get the keys to the cash counter.

“I just looked at the floor. I didn’t know what was going to happen or what they were going to do. I was really scared.

“I didn’t even know they had gone. My colleague broke free and rang 999 and then released me.”

While in the shop the raiders tried to push the CCTV camera down and cracked the television screen although they failed to prevent footage of the raid being captured.

Upendra Patel, who owns the shop, vowed to support his workers.

He said: “We will do whatever we can to help them.”

The raiders are believed to have fled in the direction of Bloomfield Street following the robbery which occurred around 9pm.

They left the store with the day’s takings, believed to be a four-figure sum. Alcohol, cigarettes, and some scratch cards were also stolen.

Yesterday detectives said a balaclava, screwdriver and scratch cards had been found near Suffolk New College, and off Cliff Lane. They believe they are likely to be linked to the robbery.

Detective Inspector Bernie Morgan, who is leading the investigation, said: “I am confident that there are people out there who know who is responsible for this crime and I am urging them to come forward.”

The offenders were said to be males, and are described as each wearing all dark clothing with balaclavas

Anyone with information should telephone 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

n Have you ever been the victim of a robbery? Do you want to send a message of support to the victims? 
E-mail starletters@archant.co.uk or write to Star Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.