By John HowardA SHOPKEEPER told last night of her anger that a knife-wielding robber had struck at her family-run business demanding cigarettes - and then had the audacity to insist he just wanted the Embassy brand.
By John Howard
A SHOPKEEPER told last night of her anger that a knife-wielding robber had struck at her family-run business demanding cigarettes - and then had the audacity to insist he just wanted the Embassy brand.
Jean Clarke, owner of the Post Office store in Wolsey Road, Stowmarket, spoke out after a balaclava-clad robber targeted her shop.
The 42-year-old said she had been disturbed by a loud noise on Monday evening and went into the shop to discover an armed man threatening her husband David.
Mrs Clarke said: “I'm very angry as we worked hard to build up a business. We don't make much money running this small shop.
“We work seven days a week, and more than 12 hours a day, and then someone just comes in and thinks they have got the right to demand what we have made from our hard work. We are here to serve the community.”
The robber, who struck at about 7pm, got away with cash and cigarettes and Mrs Clarke said: “He came in wearing a balaclava and wielding a knife and demanded money, which my husband gave him.
“He wanted my husband to open the safe, but we haven't got one. He demanded cigarettes so my husband grabbed a load and gave them to him, but he said he just wanted Embassy.
“I came down from upstairs because I thought my husband had fallen over or something. I challenged the bloke and he ran out of the shop. I didn't recognise who it was, but he had a local accent.”
A Suffolk police spokesman said the robber had run out of the shop and towards Kings Mead Close.
“There were a number of people in the area, particularly outside the store who we would like to speak to. Officers are making house-to-house inquiries, taking witness statements and arranging victim support,” he added.
The robber was described as white, about 5ft 7in tall and wearing a light-coloured top, light-blue trousers, trainers and gloves.
Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
john.howard@eadt.co.uk
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