Staff attacked in robbery

9:52pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

Police are appealing for witnesses after masked men terrorised and beat a member of staff and stole cash during a robbery at a fish and chip shop in Horton Bank Top.

The robbery, which saw a female employee require hospital treatment after being struck with a club-like instrument, occurred on Monday evening at Gulliver’s fish and chip shop, formerly known as Bank Top Fisheries, on Great Horton Road.

The thieves burst into the shop shortly after 9pm just as two female employees were getting ready to leave.

The men were described as white, but further identification was not possible as they were wearing balaclavas. Both men were brandishing cudgels or truncheons.

They demanded money while threatening the women with violence and followed up on the threat by striking one of the women before snatching a white cloth bag containing the evening’s takings.

The men are then believed to have made their getaway in the direction of nearby Speeton Avenue.

It is unclear whether the thieves had a vehicle waiting for them or whether an accomplice was involved as a getaway driver.

The woman who was struck over the head with the cosh was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary for treatment for a head wound but was allowed to return home where she is recovering from her ordeal.

Detective Inspector Gerry O’Shea, who is leading the investigation, said: “Both women were frightened and upset by this attack. One of them received a nasty cut to the head and required hospital treatment.

“It’s possible a vehicle may have been waiting for the two men in Speeton Avenue. Fortunately, this level of violence during a robbery is unusual.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Alan Sergeant at Bradford South CID on 0845 60 60 606.

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