Police have today released CCTV images of a terrifying machete raid at a petrol station in Northampton.
The armed robber, who is also believed to be behind similar heists in Leicestershire and across the West Midlands, stole a cash box from a driver inside Sainsbury’ petrol station, in Sixfields, on Tuesday, July 16.
The robbery happened shortly before midday when the driver of a security van was inside the petrol station.
The man, shown here armed with a machete, then demanded he drop the cashbox before he ran off on foot with the cash.
Detectives say it is possible he may have used a motorbike concealed nearby to flee the area.
He is described as a white, 6ft man of stocky build.
Detective Sergeant Emma Nealon from the Organised Crime and Drug team said: “We believe this to be linked to a series of similar robberies that have occurred in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands.
“We are doing everything we can to both identify offenders and bring them to justice and to prevent any further incidents.”
“We want people to be aware of this type of crime so that they can report any suspicious activity to us. Often the offenders know which businesses have cash deliveries and lay in wait, and have been known to leave on foot, by motorbike or in a car.”
Witnesses to this incident, or anyone with information, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 - alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.