Arrests Following Armed Robbery
Police in the New Forest, investigating an armed robbery and the kidnap of a woman, have arrested two people.
On Friday, December 14, a man approached a house in Rookes Lane, Lymington between 9.30 and 11.30am and allegedly pointed a gun to threaten the people who live there - a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s.
The man received a minor head injury during a confrontation with the suspect inside the house, where money was demanded. No shots were fired but about £100 in cash was stolen.
The robber then stole the couple's car, a silver/grey Peugeot 207 convertible, which was driven erratically at speed around the local area. The woman was forced to travel in the front passenger seat of the car, but was not injured and was returned home around 15 minutes later.
The suspect drove away into Newenham Road, where he abandoned the car at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Police have told us a 48-year-old man from Lymington was arrested on suspicion of robbery and aggravated burglary and then released on bail late last night (Sunday, December 16, 2012). He is on police bail until January 11, 2013 pending further enquiries.
A 44-year-old man from New Milton was arrested on suspicion of robbery last night (Sunday, December 16, 2012). He remains in police custody for questioning this morning (Monday, December 17, 2012).
New Forest District Commander Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said: "I would like to thank members of the public for their response to our appeals. Information received over the weekend gave detectives new leads, which had to be followed sensitively as well as swiftly.
"It's important to stress that no one has been charged or convicted at this time, so, we continue to follow up many lines of enquiry in connection with this investigation and remain open minded. I would therefore renew my appeal to any family or friends who think they may have information, no matter how insignificant it may appear, to contact us and tell us what you know. We appreciate this can be an exceptionally difficult moral decision for a loved one, but information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
"Although we have information to suggest these two men could provide us with vital information, detectives have many more enquiries to complete before we reach any conclusions. For that reason I would urge the public to continue supporting the investigation by telling us what they know. Identifying and charging whoever was responsible for this robbery remains my policing priority, and all of us in the community have a vital role in working together to achieve that result as soon as possible."
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact CID at Southampton Central police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Prenton. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101. Information can be given
anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
