Baker threatened with shotgun and axe

A BAKERY worker suffered a terrifying ordeal yesterday when he was attacked by robbers who stole cash and then forced him to drive to Norwich. The victim, Royston Owen, was working inside Mr Bunn the Baker's store at The Street, Long Stratton, at about 3am when two men went in and threatened him with what is believed to be a shotgun and an axe.

A BAKERY worker suffered a terrifying ordeal yesterday when he was attacked by robbers who stole cash and then forced him to drive to Norwich.

The victim, Royston Owen, was working inside Mr Bunn the Baker's store at The Street, Long Stratton, at about 3am when two men went in and threatened him with what is believed to be a shotgun and an axe. No shots were fired.

He was then assaulted by the robbers who stole, cash, cakes and sandwiches from the bakery, marched to a cashpoint nearby, and forced him to withdraw more money.

They then forced Mr Owen into a metallic blue-coloured Fiat Punto car - understood to be his own vehicle - and drove along the A140 to Norwich.

The two men got out of the Punto in the car park of the health centre at West Pottergate, leaving him in the vehicle. They are described as white, in their late teens to early 20s, and both were wearing dark-coloured hoods.

Mr Owen received hospital treatment after being hit in the face, but was not admitted to hospital. He suffered a facial injury and has been left shocked and shaken by what happened.

Bakery proprietor Barbara Bunn, who runs the business with husband Gary, said: “It was just awful. I usually get up at 4.30am and my telephone went and I thought 'Oh God'. It was Royston and he said to me 'Barbara can you come down to the shop. I have been beaten up and the bakery has been robbed'.

“These two men had come in with guns and axes and bashed him around the head. They made him take £200 of his own money from the cashpoint, and then they made him get in his car and they drove it to Norwich, with him beside them.

“He's a happy go lucky bloke, and he looks awful. He's worked for us for about six years and he's lovely. Nothing like this has ever happened before and it's awful to think what might have happened.”

The shop opened for business yesterday as usual.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Marie James said: “This is an extremely unusual incident and we are pursuing a number of lines on inquiry. This robbery would have been very frightening for the victim and we are keen to receive information from members of the public.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim at the cashpoint at The Street, Long Stratton with two men at about 3am, or who may have seen two men wearing dark clothing in the West Pottergate area later on at about 4am.

“We are also keen to hear from anyone who saw a Fiat Punto being driven erratically along the A140 between Long Stratton and Norwich between about 3am and 4am on Friday.”

Any information to Det Sgt James or members of her team at Norwich CID on 0845 4564567 or call Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555111.