This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-46315447

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Armed robbery at Plymouth ice cream shop sparks manhunt Gunmen raid Plymouth ice cream parlour and store
(about 4 hours later)
A man armed with what is thought to be a handgun has robbed an ice cream parlour, police have said. Two shops have been raided by men wielding guns in Plymouth in less than 24 hours.
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. A man with polka dot tights pulled over his head threatened staff at Vanti's Gelato Venue ice cream parlour at 18:30 GMT on Thursday and escaped with cash.
Described as a white male in his late 40s, he threatened staff before fleeing with cash from the till. At 14:00 on Friday, a man with a gun grabbed the whole till at the Premier store on North Road West and dropped the weapon as he ran off.
Devon and Cornwall Police is appealing for information. Devon and Cornwall Police say it is too early to link the two crimes.
James Williams, who owns the shop with his mother and father, described the robbery as "an act of desperation". James Williams, who owns the family-run Vanti's Gelato Venue, described the robbery as "an act of desperation".
He 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."
Police say a gun was found after the second armed raid.
More news from Devon and CornwallMore 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. The suspect in the first raid is said to be in his 40s, 5ft 8ins (1.7m) 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."