Appeal after two robberies in Newcastle police now believe are linked

Detectives are appealing for help from the public in their investigation into two robberies in Newcastle they now believe may be linked.

The first robbery took place at the Lonsdale pub on Lonsdale Terrace in Jesmond on the evening of October 16 last year.

At around 11.45pm a man entered the pub armed with what was believed to be a handgun and threatened a member of staff.

Officers attended and a man was arrested in nearby Grosvenor Place. He was later released under investigation.

The second incident took place at around 7.30am on Friday, January 26, when a man entered the Sainsbury’s store on Lonsdale Terrace.

The offender entered the store and threatened staff with what is believed to be a firearm. He was able to steal a quantity of cash before fleeing the area.

Nobody was injured in either of the incidents and police enquiries are continuing. However, detectives now believe the two robberies could be linked.

Detective Inspector Angela Hufton, of central CID, is appealing for help from the public to help identify one particular person of interest wearing “distinctive clothing” in the area of the most recent robbery.

She said: "We did arrest a man in the hours after the first incident and he was released under investigation as our enquiries continue.

“That investigation has been progressing well but we also had a second incident at Sainsbury’s last week that is in close proximity to the Lonsdale Pub.

“Our detectives have been working hard to identify the person responsible and we do believe that the two incidents are linked.

"We want to speak to a man who was in the area of Lonsdale Terrace last Friday morning who was wearing distinctive clothing.

“He was wearing a woollen hat with a pattern on it, a dark coloured longer length jacket with a brand logo on the left breast and blue jeans. He was also carrying a holdall type bag. The male is white, around 6ft tall and slim build.

“If you know who that man is, or if you saw him in the area of Lonsdale Terrace at or around 7.30am on the morning of January 26, then please get in touch by calling 101.

“Extra officers have been on patrol in the area of Lonsdale Terrace to carry out enquiries so if anyone has any concerns they can speak to those officers on duty.”

Anyone who witnessed either of the incidents, or has any information, is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 137 26/01/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111