Hunting Knife Robber Raids Shop: CCTV Released

Police searching for a convenience store robber armed with a fearsome hunting knife have issued this CCTV image of their suspect.

At 8.15am on Thursday, February 1, the suspect walked into a mini supermarket on Brook Street, Erith, south-east London.

Waving the large hunting knife, he threatened the 45-year-old store owner, and demanded cash from behind the counter.

Fearful for his safety the victim went behind the counter and opened the till and the suspect emptied the till’s contents into a white plastic bag.

As he was interrogating the owner as to where more money was kept, a woman and child entered the store.

They were both asked to wait outside.

The suspect went outside, spoke to the woman and boy and asked them what they wanted.

He then re-entered the store and took eight packets of cigarettes, two canned drinks and some sweets which he handed to them before walking off into Northumberland Heath Park.

The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 5ft 6ins tall.

He was wearing dark coloured clothing, including a black Nike tracksuit, scarf, hat and gloves.

Detective Constable Maxine Hudd, investigating officer from Bexley CID, said: “We believe that this could possibly be linked to a number of robberies that have taken place in the Erith area since December fifteen, last year.

“Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident, specifically the woman and child, who were outside the shop, or anyone who saw the suspect enter or leave the park.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bexley CID on 020 8284 9146 or the police non-emergency line on 101.

Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.