Three Arrests Over Casino Robbery

28 February 2013, 16:47 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police investigating an armed robbery outside the Grosvenor Casino in Newcastle have arrested a third person.

It happened at 3.50pm on Thursday, February 21st, when a security guard was threatened with what was described as a shotgun before stealing a large amount of cash.

The guard was not injured and following enquiries two men, aged 44 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

They've since been released on police bail.

Officers have now arrested a 37-year-old man from the Sunderland area on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

In the week since the robbery took place officers have been checking CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses and people who have been in touch with information.

Detective Inspector Andy Fairlamb said:
"We have now arrested three people in connection with the robbery and are looking into the possibility that there may have been more people involved.

Those responsible may have planned the incident and could have been in the area around the casino in the days, or weeks, before carrying out the robbery, checking out the location and planning what they were going to do.

I'd urge anyone who lives, works, or perhaps passes the area regularly basis and who may have seen any suspicious people or behaviour over the last few weeks to ring us with any information they have.

On the day the robbery took place there was a Girls Aloud concert at the Metro Arena - there were lots of people making their way there and who would have been in the area just next to the casino and who could have potentially seen something.

It was also approaching rush hour and in that part of the city centre there would have been lots of people leaving work and driving on St James' Boulevard.

If anyone saw anything when the robbery took place, or if they have heard anything that could help police since it happened, I'd urge them to contact us as soon as possible with any information."

Anyone with information can pass it on to officers direct by ringing 101 ext 69191 or if they prefer they can give information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.