Police are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery in Lancaster this afternoon.
The incident happened at Cumbrian Property Services/Marsden Building Society on Church Street at around 12:00pm this afternoon. A man has entered the business premises, approached the counter and threatened the assistant with what is believed to be a handgun and demanded cash.
He stole a quantity of cash before calmly leaving the premises and heading off in the direction of New Street towards the bus station area.
The alarm was raised and officers attended the area. The force helicopter circulated the area to help track down the offender, but he remains at large.
He is described as being white, around 5ft 10inc tall with a pale complexion and was clean shaven. He had blonde/red hair and a local accent. He was wearing a grey silver hooded cardigan with distinctive toggle style fastening akin to a duffle coat, dark tracksuit bottoms, grey gloves, and a black/grey scarf and was wearing sunglasses.
Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Evans from Lancaster CID said, “This incident happened in broad daylight at a busy lunchtime in the city centre. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened or who saw the man leave the shop to come forward and contact the police.
“Fortunately nobody was hurt although the assistant has been left shocked following what can only be described as a terrifying ordeal. If anyone has any information then I would urge them to contact the police.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Lancaster CID on 101.
People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.