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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. |
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. |
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." |