Garage hit by armed robbery again

By John Howard

A BRAVE cashier refused to hand over money to armed robber who struck at a petrol station.

The robber was forced to flee empty-handed after the raid at the Esso garage in Combs Ford, Stowmarket.

It is the second time in just two weeks that the garage has been targeted by armed robbers and police were investigating last night whether there was a link between the two incidents.

The latest incident happened at about 11.10pm on Thursday at the garage in Needham Road when a man brandishing what is thought to be a handgun burst into the store, demanding money.

But he fled empty-handed after the woman cashier refused to give him any money. The garage was also held up at about 8.45pm on March 31 by an armed robber brandishing a pistol who escaped with money.

A regular at the nearby Magpie pub said the cashier had ran into the bar asking for help following Thursday's incident.

Scenes of crime officers then sealed off the petrol station as they scoured the area for clues in their investigation.

The cashier, who asked not to be named, said she was “fine” after her ordeal and was planning to return to work.

The two raids on the petrol station have caused concern among residents and traders in the area.

Neville Barnard, 69, from Stowmarket, said: “I'm shocked the garage has been hit again so quickly. I wonder if the same person who did it last time has done this attack. They might have thought it was an easy target.”

Les Wright, who works at Combs Ford Newsagent, added: “It is a bit concerning especially coming so soon after the last raid.

“I was woken up by the police helicopter last night and I'm told there were police dogs everywhere hunting for the attacker.”

Anyone with information should contact Stowmarket police on 01473 613500.

john.howard@eadt.co.uk