Armed Robbers With Shotguns Raid Tesco Store In Ely

ARMED robbers struck at Ely's Tesco store on Friday afternoon targeting a Group 4 Securicor van.

The masked raiders, believed to be armed with a shotgun, struck just after 4pm witnessed by terrified shoppers and supermarket staff.

They threatened Securicor guards as the loaded the store's cash machine. But the cash points were locked remotely and the two raiders left empty handed.

Police closed off part of the car park, cordoning off the Securicor van with trolleys, and the police helicopter searched the area.

Officers interviewed numerous shoppers and Tesco staff in the supermarket café after the incident.

The raiders made off in a black Subaru car, displaying false registration plate Y878 TKK, later found dumped in Dovehouse Close, a short distance from the Angel Drove store.

The Subaru was swapped for a black BMW saloon, also displaying a false registration plate, YA05 YHF (pictured).

Witnesses saw the BMW head out of the city along the A10, where at 4.12pm it was involved in a collision with a lorry near Gulliver's Restaurant in Stretham.

No-one was hurt in the crash but the BMW failed to stop and is believed to have headed towards the A14.

Ely police sector commander, inspector Alan Savill, said: "We would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or who saw these men driving away from the city to come forward. Any piece of information, no matter how small could prove vital in solving this crime."

Detective inspector Adam Gallop, investigating added: "I would like to appeal to the residents and local businesses of Ely. Did anyone see either of these vehicles in the Ely area in the 24 hours before the offence."

Anyone with any information should call DS Phil Richardson at Ely Police Station 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.