Masked robbers raid town takeaway

MASKED raiders brandishing a knife and crowbar stole cash from a safe after bursting into a fast food takeaway in broad daylight and threatening a terrified member of staff.

Robbers struck at the KFC outlet, in Newmarket's High Street, shortly after 10am yesterday while the shop was closed.

It is believed they called at the back door before forcing their way into the store and taking money from the safe.

One male member of staff was in the building at the time but it is not thought he was injured as a result of the terrifying incident.

It is also unclear how much was stolen, and whether the sum included the takings from the previous night.

Community leaders last night reacted with shock at the news, which they described as “unnerving” and a “sign of the times”.

Carol Lynch, who serves the town on Forest Heath District Council, said: “This is not the sort of thing you would expect to happen at 10 in the morning, and I don't think anybody would have been prepared for it.

“It is a bit unnerving and perhaps a sign of the times. Maybe the robbers knew that the shop had been busy the night before and recognised the fact they had money on site.

“KFC serve late into the night so there would have been cash on the premises. But it is scary to think that something like this could happen at this time of day.

“People tend to become more vigilant in the evening, and would not necessarily be prepared for anything like this at this time of the morning. But the main thing is that nobody was hurt.

“The message which has to go out is that outlets which take money late at night and cannot offload that cash must remain vigilant.

“People have got to be really security conscious and not allow themselves to become easy targets, as that is what these people are looking for.”

A spokesman for Suffolk police said the incident had been reported to officers at around 10.10am. Although details of the robbery remained sketchy last night, he confirmed two men had been involved.

Descriptions were limited, but the spokesman said one of the raiders had been wearing dark clothing and a ski mask to obscure his face.

He added that the weapons used were believed to be a bread knife and a crowbar.

The spokesman appealed for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time of the incident, or has any other information about the armed robbery, to come forward.

Calls should be made to Det Sgt Dan Connick, at Suffolk police, on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.