In ‘terrifying’ ordeal, shop staff tied up by robber in face mask in Aspley

Two shop workers in Aspley, Nottingham have gone through a ‘terrifying’ ordeal on Monday (25 May) night as they were attacked and tied up by a robber.

The incident happened at Heron Foods supermarket in Aspley Lane.

The offender, covering face with a mask, entered the store at around 7.30 pm and attacked two staff members before forcing them to hand over cash from the store.

He spent nearly thirty minutes in the store and left at around 8.05 pm carrying two large shopping bags onto Melbourne Road, Aspley, after tying up the staff.

“This incident would have been terrifying for the two shop workers, who are continuing to go to work despite the ongoing Coronavirus crisis,” commented Detective Sergeant Nigel Malik, of Nottinghamshire Police.

“It is shocking that someone would assault key workers, particularly under the current circumstances and we will be working hard to track the offender down. This type of offence is not common but it has a huge impact on victims.”

Officers have issued an appeal requesting information on the man.

“We’d like to speak to a man that is described as white and wearing a beanie hat, coat, gloves and white face or dust mask. It was warm day so his appearance may have stood out,” Malik said.

“If you saw anything or have any information that can aid our officers in their investigation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also ask members of the public to check for any dashcam footage if they were driving in the area at the time. Contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 838 of 25 May 2020.”