‘Key witness’ urged to come forward as hunt for suspected robber at Spar shop in Sunderland continues

Officers were called to the Spar on Ewesley Road, in the High Barnes area of Sunderland, shortly after 7pm on Saturday, January 22.

It was reported that a man had entered the store and threatened staff before stealing money from the till and making off from the scene.

Police say that nobody was injured as a result of the incident however staff member were left shaken by the ordeal.

The offender was believed to be 5’8, of slim build and of mixed race and is understood to have been wearing a dark jacket.

An investigation has been launched and police are hoping to speak a woman who they believe could be a “key witness” as she was entering the shop at the time when the offender, who was wearing a motorbike helmet, pushed past her and made off.

PC Stephanie Anderson, of Northumbria Police, has commented that the Force is working to bring the offender to justice and praised the Spar staff for their efforts in cooperating with officers.

She said: “We are committed to bringing effective justice against anybody found to have been involved in this incident.

“We are keen to hear from anybody with information about what happened. This happened on a busy street with a number of vehicles going past – if you saw anything, please get in touch.

“We particularly want to speak to a woman who was entering the Spar shop when the offender ran out of the door, wearing a motorbike helmet. She may have crucial evidence that can help ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.

“I would like to thank the staff members for their cooperation after what was a frightening ordeal, along with the wider community who have already come forward to support our investigation.”

Any members of the public with information relating to the incident are asked to contact officers via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20220122-0884.

Alternatively, people can email [email protected].

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.