Knifeman Robs Southampton Coffee Shop

Detectives in Bitterne are hunting a knifeman who robbed a Southampton coffee shop of about £750.

At about 6.30am on Friday, April 5th, the armed robber jumped over the counter and threatened a 20-year-old woman employee at Costa Coffee at Antelope Park. Wielding a black-handled large kitchen knife, he demanded that she open a safe.

When she complied, he took money from the safe and from the till. The robber then fled on foot to Bursledon Road and turned left up the hill.

The robber is described as a white man in his twenties who is 5ft 7ins tall and of small build. He wore grey tracksuit trousers, which were inside out; a black jacket over a grey hooded top, a black hat and a beige scarf over his face.

He took away a large amount of coins and notes in clear plastic cash bags with red and black writing on them.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who saw the robber leaving Costa and fleeing up Bursledon Road. They also want to hear from anyone who finds the distinctive cash bags.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Wiseman said police also want to know about anyone who seems to have acquired money recently or who is seen getting rid of a large amount of coins.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bitterne CID on 101.