Terrified staff at a South Derbyshire convenience store have spoken of the moment they were threatened with by a masked robber brandishing a large knife in what was the third raid in the area in just three days.

Staff at the Tamworth Co-operative store, in Main Street, Rosliston, were robbed by a man who demanded cash while wielding a knife at one of their busiest times of the week, on Saturday, August 19.

A spokesman for the store has today described the incident as "a very serious and deplorable incident", saying that staff were "understandably very distressed and shaken".

It comes as the Premier Stanton Convenience Store, in Stanton Road, Stapenhill, was allegedly targeted by a man, who it is believed was holding a knife. This attempted armed robbery also happened on Saturday and a man has now been arrested in connection with the incident.

The raids occurred just two days after an armed robbery at the Spar shop in Repton, on Thursday, August 17, in which a man also holding a knife demanded money before escaping with a quantity of cash.

Rosliston Co-operative was targeted

Police are now appealing for help in finding the robbers as Rosliston Co-op bosses released a statement.

It said: "Thankfully none of our staff at Rosliston suffered any physical injuries. However, this was a very serious and deplorable incident. They were threatened with a knife and are understandably very distressed and shaken.

"Our employees are our first concern and we will be offering them as much support as we possibly can.
"Rosliston is a peaceful rural village with a tremendous sense of community spirit.

"We would appeal to anybody who may have witnessed this incident, or seen anything suspicious before or afterwards, to contact the police immediately. It is imperative that the person responsible is brought to justice as soon as possible to prevent anyone else being subjected to such a terrifying experience."

The incident took place at 12.25pm, on Saturday, when a man entered the store with a knife. He made threats to staff and then left with a quantity of cash.

Police were unable to confirm how much money was stolen. Officers have so not given a out a description of the man, other than that his face was covered.

The Spar shop, on Repton's high street was raided on Thursday afternoon
The Spar shop, on Repton's high street was raided on Thursday afternoon

Anyone with information is asked to call Derbyshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference 17000355314. The robbery in Repton took place at 3.30pm on Thursday, August 17, but, again, police have no description of the man. However anyone with information can call 101 quoting crime reference number 17000352375 of August 17.

In relation to the attempted robbery in Stanton, Staffordshire Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the incident which took place on Saturday morning. One of the lines of enquiry is whether or not a knife was used. He remains in custody under investigation.

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