Police appeal for witnesses after attempted robbery in Teignmouth

Police are hunting for a masked offender who threatened two shop assistants with a knife during an attempted robbery in Teignmouth.

The man struck at Tesco in Bitton Park Road around 11.50pm on Sunday (21 April) as staff members were closing the store.

A female member of staff was disposing of empty packaging at the back of the store when she was approached by the offender who was carrying a knife.

He grabbed hold of her but she banged on the window to alert colleagues. She managed to get away from the offender. He then went into the store and grabbed a second female shop assistant, demanding that she open the safe.

When staff wouldn’t open the safe, the offender ran off into the car park empty-handed.

Police are appealing for information and are hunting for the suspect who is described as white, around 6ft tall and of skinny build. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood, gloves, and was concealing his face with a light grey scarf.

Detective Peter Morgan, from Totnes CID, said: “This was extremely alarming for the staff. The two victims were left very shaken and distressed by this incident.

“We believe this man had been watching the premises waiting for the staff to open the door to the warehouse. We would urge anyone who may have seen him or anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence to come forward to police.”

Anyone with information is urged to telephone police on 101, quoting crime reference JG/13/693 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.