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Armed robbery at Plymouth ice cream shop sparks manhunt Armed robbery at Plymouth ice cream shop sparks manhunt
(about 2 hours later)
A man armed with what is thought to be a handgun has robbed an ice cream parlour, police have said.A man armed with what is thought to be a handgun has robbed an ice cream parlour, police have said.
The suspect was wearing a pair of polka dot tights over his face when he entered Valenti's Gelato Venue on Plymouth Barbican just after 18:30 GMT on Thursday.The suspect was wearing a pair of polka dot tights over his face when he entered Valenti's Gelato Venue on Plymouth Barbican just after 18:30 GMT on Thursday.
Described as a white male in his late 40s, he threatened staff before fleeing with cash from the till.Described as a white male in his late 40s, he threatened staff before fleeing with cash from the till.
Devon and Cornwall Police is appealing for information.Devon and Cornwall Police is appealing for information.
The man is said to be 5ft 8ins tall and of average build, with a short, grey beard and gaunt cheekbones. James Williams, who owns the shop with his mother and father, described the robbery as "an act of desperation".
More news from Devon and Cornwall
The suspect is said to be 5ft 8ins tall and of average build, with a short, grey beard and gaunt cheekbones.
He was wearing a grey hooded top and a brown coat, and had the upper part of his face obscured by hosiery.He was wearing a grey hooded top and a brown coat, and had the upper part of his face obscured by hosiery.
More news and stories from Devon and Cornwall. Owner Mr Williams said: "An 18-year-old member of staff was in the shop on her own at the time.
"The man pointed a gun at her. We are so proud of how well she dealt with the situation. She was amazing."
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: "A full policing response was sent to the area including officers from the armed response unit, but despite full searches the suspect was not located."Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: "A full policing response was sent to the area including officers from the armed response unit, but despite full searches the suspect was not located."