Manhunt after armed robbery

CCTV images have since been released of a man that Gainsborough Police would like to speak with to help them with their enquiries - and they are asking for any more witnesses to come forward.

The incident occurred at around 7.55am on the morning of Wednesday 31st October on Melrose Road when 79-year-old man was returning home after visiting the Post Office next to North County Primary School on Ropery Road to buy a newspaper and some milk.

He was approached at the back door of his home by a man who pointed what appeared to be a firearm at him and demanded money.

The offender then left the scene with the victim’s wallet and its contents.

Then pensioner was not injured during the incident.

A spokesman from nearby North County Primary School said: “We are very shocked to hear about this as it is usually very quiet and safe in this area.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that their children’s safety is our utmost priority and would ask parents and pupils to ensure that they take extra care during the dark winter months.”

A Melrose Road resident also said that this was very unusual for the area.

“I’m very shocked as it’s so peaceful around here,” he said. “It’s very surprising that it happened at gunpoint because we’ve never had any trouble like that.”

A fellow neighbour agreed: “We never get that kind of trouble around here,” she said. “It’s very scary that it could have involved a gun as the school is just seconds away and there are always kids playing around here.”

She added: “You just don’t expect something like this on your doorstep and since it happened, I haven’t felt safe or comfortable walking around these streets alone at night - I wouldn’t even dream about it.”

Witnesses have described seeing a male riding a mountain-type bike hanging around outside the Post Office some time before.

It is believed that the suspect followed the victim back to his home address before robbing him.

Police are urging anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously near the Ropery Road Post Office during the morning of Wednesday 31st October, or who saw anyone following an elderly man walking towards Melrose Road, at just before 8am, to contact them.

The offender is described as white, male, in his twenties, about 5’6” – 5’7”.

He was wearing a dark padded type jacket, dark coloured track suit bottoms with white stripes down the side and white training shoes.

Lincs Police spokesman James Newall said: “Clearly this is a very concerning incident and the consequences could have been much more serious.”

He added: “We would encourage anyone with any information to please contact either ourselves or Crimestoppers as we continue with our ongoing enquiries.”

Anyone with any information should contact DC Jim Wilson or Gainsborough CID on 101, quoting incident number 60 of 31st October 2012.

Alternatively, you can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.