Shopkeeper bound with gaffer tape in Preston

25 April 2019, 05:36 | Updated: 25 April 2019, 05:37

Detectives are investigating a robbery at a newsagents in Preston.

It happened at around 05:55am on Wednesday at Broadway News on Broadway when a man has entered the shop whilst a second man waited outside.

The shopkeeper, a man in his 60s, was grabbed by the neck and thrown to the floor. The second offender has then gone inside and bound the victim’s hands and feet with gaffer tape.

He has also sprayed a liquid on the windows in an attempt to conceal the incident.

The pair have taken the contents of the till and made off towards Garstang Road on foot.

DI Nick Hills from Preston Police said: “This was a truly appalling attack on a shopkeeper about to start a day’s work. What is particularly shocking is the amount of violence and restraint used. Thankfully the victim wasn’t badly hurt but was taken to Royal Preston Hospital and checked over.
“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time or perhaps you saw two men running away, please get in touch. Similarly, if the descriptions of the suspects sounds familiar to you, please speak to us.”

The first offender is described as white, around 5ft 6ins, of medium build and was wearing a hat, dark glasses, a dark jacket and blue trousers along with gloves.

The second man is also described as white, around 6ft, of large build and was wearing a dark hooded top, dark trousers and a black face covering. He was carrying a large tool bag and was wore gloves.

Anyone with information can call Preston Police on 01772 209724 or if they fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 128 of today (April 24th).

Alternatively you can reach Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.