Two Shildon men, aged 18 and 23, and a 16 year-old from Bishop Auckland have been arrested in connection with a robbery that took place in Bishop Auckland last week.
Police are still appealing for people with further information about the robbery, which occurred on the morning
of Monday, 15th June, to come forward.
Mohinder Devgan, 75, was working a shift at Lateshopper in Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland. At around 6.00am Mr Devgan was confronted by a hooded thief who claimed he had a gun and demanded money from the till before attempting to get behind the counter.
The thief then grabbed a broom from a storage cupboard and attacked Mr Devgan with it. The shopkeeper tried to fight off the masked man with a shutter pole before the assailant ran off with over £200.
Detective Sergeant Mark Willoughby of Bishop Auckland CID said that, although the victim was badly shaken by the attack, he did not need medical treatment. DS Willoughby added, “The shopkeeper was sorting newspapers when the robber entered the shop and there were no customers inside. The assailant callously attacked the victim with the broom shank, but although he claimed to have a gun he didn’t display one.”
The assailant is described as being in his early 20’s and between 5ft8” and 5ft10”. The hood he was wearing was described as being similar to those worn under motorcycle helmets. Anyone with information can call police on 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
