Cowardly criminals caught on Bletchingley shop CCTV

by Owen Evans

owen.evans@essnmedia.co.uk

Police are hunting the cowardly criminals that were caught on camera robbing a 17th Century post office.

CCTV inside Longhurst Newsagent, High Street, Bletchingley, filmed the two males during an attempted robbery on Tuesday, between 3.30pm to 3.48pm.

The hooded suspects triggered the alarm before running off in the direction of Godstone with just a stolen can of drink.

A female shop assistant was restrained by one suspect during the incident.

Investigating officer Detective Constable David Sprague said: "These CCTV images show very clearly the men we are looking for in connection with this attempted robbery.

"I am appealing for members of the public to look closely at the images and contact me with the names of those involved so I can arrest and bring them to justice.

"This was a nasty incident which has left the victim very frightened and traumatised. It was a terrifying ordeal for her.

"Fortunately she was not injured but it is clear we need to identify and arrest these men in order to prevent them from committing further offences."

According to police, the first suspect stood by the lottery ticket stand and the second was looking in the drinks fridge as the employee walked past and said hello before returning to behind the counter.

The first suspect followed her and grabbed her, putting his hand over her mouth.

As the suspect and the victim moved towards the Post Office counter, an alarm was activated and both suspects ran out of the front door onto the High Street and in the direction of Godstone. A can of drink was stolen.

The first suspect is described as a black man, 17 -25 years old, average build, 6ft 3inches, with a London accent.

He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms with the word "Air" written on the left leg, a grey hooded top with the word "Air" written on the front and white trainers with black soles.

The second suspect is described as a man with olive skin, slim, 17-25 years old, 5ft 10inches tall, and he also spoke with a London accent.

He was wearing a green hooded top with a small yellow label on the back, grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Reigate CID on 0845 125 2222.