Police trying to trace Rotherham man in connection with armed robbery
Police are trying to trace Rotherham man Paul Smith in connection with an armed bank robbery
Police are trying to trace Rotherham man Paul Smith in connection with an armed bank robbery.
Officers believe that Smith, 44, holds vital information about the incident at the Yorkshire Bank in Parkgate.
At around 8.50am on Friday 29th January, police were called to Broad Street following reports that two men entered the bank and threatened staff with firearms.
Michael Lydon, 51, of Fair View Avenue, Cleethorpes, was charged on Wednesday 2 March with robbery, attempt robbery, firearms offences and dangerous driving.
He appeared at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday 31st March.
Officers also want to speak to Smith who is described as around 5ft 9ins, of stocky build with short, cropped brown hair that is greying in parts.
His last known address is in the Kimberworth area of Rotherham but he is known to have connections in the Humberside, Chesterfield and West Yorkshire areas.
Leading the investigation, Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ashmore said:
"We have already charged Lydon and arrested and bailed five people in connection with this incident but we believe that Paul Smith could hold vital information.
"If you know where Smith is or have information that may assist our investigation, we urge you to contact police.
"If you see Smith, do not approach him but call South Yorkshire Police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999."
Three men, aged 52, 36 and 26, all from the Rotherham area, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.
Two women aged 39 and 27, from Rotherham, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and bailed pending further enquiries.