Staff at late night convenience stores have been urged to be vigilant after a member of staff at Pinchbeck’s Spar store was sprayed in the face in a raid by four masked men.
At around 9.40pm last night, four men went into the shop, in Knight Street, and sprayed an unknown liquid in a member of staff’s face before stealing cash from the tills and cigarettes from the shelves.
Detective Inspector Dave Rimmer from South Holland CID said: “This is a serious offence which will be fully investigated but thankfully attacks of this nature are uncommon in this area.
“I urge that staff in late night convenience stores to be extra vigilant. If any staff have seen any activity which they regard as suspicious they should contact the police and let us know.”
The member of staff who was sprayed suffered minor injuries.
Police have said it is likely the suspects will have got into a vehicle in the vicinity of the store. They were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered.
Officers are speaking to witnesses and a forensic examination of the store has been conducted this morning. They want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.
A police statement said: “Did anyone see four people matching the description entering or leaving the store or four men together in the area, possibly getting into a vehicle?”
The store was closed this morning.
A sign on the door said: “The store is currently closed. We hope to get opened as quickly as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
Nearby trader Julia Farmer, of Goose’s Garden florist, said: “It’s shocking something like that could happen in our village.
“I’ve seen some of the staff and they all look really shaken up. My thoughts are with them.”
Witnesses should call 101.
