Police hope 'distinctive' knife will cut a path to store robber

Published on 17/06/2005 11:58

DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery at a city DIY store hope the distinctive knife used in the raid will lead them to the robber.

Police today released images of the nine-inch weapon, which has pictures of elephants carved into the blade and handle and was left at the scene of the crime.

The masked robber made off with 8000 after threatening a shop worker at knifepoint and tying his hands and feet together during the late night raid at the B&Q shop in Stevenson Road, Gorgie.

He burst into the store shortly before closing time last Tuesday brandishing the knife and demanding money. The terrified shop worker opened the till and the robber tied him up before grabbing the cash. He then fled and made off on a mountain bike.

Although the 25-year-old cashier was not injured, he was left extremely shaken by his ordeal.

Several other workers were in the store when the raid took place at about 8pm. They have been interviewed by police and have been offered counselling by B&Q bosses.

Police described the robber's knife as "very distinctive". Detective Sergeant Euan Anderson, who is leading the inquiry, believes the culprit could be a local man.

"The robber threw the knife on to the floor as he ran out of the shop. However, we are surprised he used a weapon like this as it is extremely distinctive and most unusual.

"I would imagine this is probably only the first or second time he has carried out a robbery. The fact that he escaped on a mountain bike suggests he is probably local.

"We are hoping that somebody may be able to tell us where knives fitting this description can be bought.

"We would also like to hear from anybody who may have seen somebody carrying a knife like this."

Police are also scouring CCTV footage from cameras within the store in the hope it will provide a clue to the identity of the robber.

The man they are looking for is described as being between 20 and 30 years old.

The robbery happened as police chiefs called for tougher controls on the sale of knives.

The Association of Chief Police Officers want a "cooling off" period to be brought in, meaning that weapons would be posted out to an address days after they are bought. They also want people buying knives to show ID.

Det Chief Supt John Carnochan, of Strathclyde Police's violence reduction unit, said it was "absurd" that people could walk into a shop and walk out moments later with a potentially lethal weapon in their hands.

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police.

The raider is described as being 20 to 30 and about 6ft 2ins. He was wearing a ski mask, a blue tracksuit and white trainers.