By Ted JeoryA BRAVE shop manager has described how she sprinted from her office to protect her staff from a knife-wielding robber.The woman, who asked not to be named, said instinct took over when she spotted on her office CCTV monitor a youth waving a knife around at her terrified staff.
By Ted Jeory
A BRAVE shop manager has described how she sprinted from her office to protect her staff from a knife-wielding robber.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said instinct took over when she spotted on her office CCTV monitor a youth waving a knife around at her terrified staff.
A man ran into Claydon's newsagents in High Street, Colchester, at about 5pm on Wednesday, where there were two members of staff -a middle-aged woman and a younger girl - and a male customer.
The manager said: “I was in my office where I can see what goes on. I noticed a man run in and I looked at the CCTV monitor and saw a wearing a balaclava and waving a knife around.
“He pushed a customer out of the way and came behind the counter and started demanding we open the till.
“I ran into the shop area and pushed my staff behind me to shield them. I came across and to open the first till because at that time of day there's nothing in it.
“He then stabbed the knife into the lottery machine, causing damage to that, and he said 'I want the paper money'. I opened the till he took about £120 in cash.”
The man then fled into High Street, where a passer-by chased him into Castle Park, but lost him in Maidenburgh Street.
The Essex Police helicopter was scrambled to carry out an aerial search of the area, while patrol cars scoured nearby streets.
The shop manager said: “It all happened so quickly - in about 15 to 20 seconds. I was just numb, as if it wasn't really happening.
“It does concern me that he's still on the loose. You take precautions, but I suppose if someone wants to do that sort of thing they will - I'm just glad no-one got hurt.”
The robber, who is believed to be in his teens, was of average build and wore a dark blue duffle coat. After leaving the shop, he took off his balaclava, revealing blond hair.
Anyone with information should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212.
ted.jeory@eadt.co.uk
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