Shoppers react to armed robbery at McColl’s in Maidenhall Green
The McColl's store in Maidenhall Green. Picture: TOM POTTER - Credit: Tom Potter
Shoppers spoke of their alarm at news an Ipswich convenience store hours was held up by armed robbers.
The raid happened at McColl’s in Maidenhall Green, shortly after 8pm on Wednesday.
Police said two men entered the premises and threatened staff with a handgun before making off with money from the till.
A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said one man was wearing black tracksuit trousers, a blue zipped hooded top with another black hooded top underneath, and a pair of black leather gloves.
The second man wore a black hooded coat, black tracksuit trousers and white trainers.
Both men were about 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in and wearing scarves.
Darren Ramsey, of Pembroke Close, visits the shop on a weekly basis. On Thursday morning he was there to enter the lottery and buy some milk.
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“It’s so sad that people working in shops should feel they might be subject to this type of behaviour,” said the 51-year-old lifetime local resident.
“They just don’t stop to think of the implications. It’s not good.
“Many of these shops are staffed mainly by women – often working alone behind the tills. Whether or not it was seen as an easy target, I don’t know.
“As housing estate go, this is one of the better ones. Everyone knows each other.
“It’s a shame. It’s not what we want round here. All the staff are lovely.
“Yes, in the past there has always been the occasional crime – thefts from cars, and the odd robbery – but now you hear about it happening all over town.
“I don’t know if the gun they used was real or fake, but the trouble is, fake guns are now so convincing you’re not going to question it.”
A McColl’s spokesperson said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers is of utmost importance.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Suffolk police on 101, quoting CAD 351.
