Shocking CCTV images show moment woman struck with screwdriver in armed robbery at Skelmersdale off-licence

Feb 28 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Skelmersdale Advertiser

THESE images show the moment a woman was attacked with a screwdriver as she tried to fend off armed robbers at an off-licence.

Police have issued CCTV images of four men they want to speak with following the armed robbery at Bargain Booze on Ormskirk Road.

The robbery took place at around 9.10pm on Friday, February 15 when four men entered the store and demanded money.

Two of the men were armed with screwdrivers and a third man was carrying a piece of wood.

During the robbery two of the men jumped over the counter and stole cash from the till and a box of Fosters lager.

One of the female shop assistants was struck on the head as she tried to fend off the robbers.

Police believe she was hit with the handle of a screwdriver.

All of the men had their faces partially concealed with hoods but police are urging people to take a close look at the CCTV images and have launched an appeal for information.

DC Graham Hunt from Skelmersdale CID said: “The shop was staffed with female shop assistants at the time of the attack and during the robbery one of the assistants was struck to the head.

“One of the images clearly shows what appears to be one of the offenders using the upturned handle of a screwdriver to attack her whilst holding a £20 in the other hand.

“Thankfully she was not seriously hurt but the robbery continues to have a lasting effect on her to the extent that she is still too distressed to return to work.

“This is a very serious offence and an investigation is under way but we need the public’s help to catch those responsible.

“I’d appeal to anybody that thinks they recognise any of the men in the CCTV images or with any information that they think may assist with our investigation to contact us at Lancashire Police on 101.”

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.