Police appeal to find gunman who robbed Gosport off-licence

A 25-year-old member of staff was working alone in Grande Wine Store, Palmyra Road, Gosport, when the gunman walked in and demanded cash.

Manager Carla Frankland praised the swift actions of the shop assistant who opened the till and ran to the back of the shop and deadlocked the door.

He watched the masked robber on CCTV take cash and leave before he went back in use the phone and call police.

Miss Frankland said: ‘The young man was very calm when it happened and did exactly what he was meant to do.

‘The police were brilliant. They kept him on the phone until the armed response team arrived.

‘They were here when I got here.

‘It was a real shock.

‘Nothing like that has ever happened before. It’s a lovely area and we know all our customers.

‘Whoever it was must have been watching the shop because they came at our quietest time.’

It happened just before 10pm on Sunday, March 27.

Miss Frankland said the robbery has affected all the staff.

‘We’ve take extra safety measures out because we’re all worried.

‘Once it’s dark the door will be locked and customers will have to knock to come in.

‘I hope whoever did this goes to prison for a very long time – all for £300.’

It is not known if the robber was brandishing a real gun.

Customer Jim Stevenson, 28, said: ‘It’s an awful thing to do.

‘These people are only doing their job.

‘They don’t deserve to have to go through something like that.’

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses.

Det Con Julie Way, the officer in charge of the case, said: ‘I’m especially keen to hear from a man and a woman who used the store shortly beforehand and who may have seen what happened.

‘I’d also like to hear from anyone who may have found discarded clothing in the area.’

The robber was described as being white, between 6ft and 6ft 3ins and of skinny build.

He was wearing a black padded raincoat with the hood up, dark trousers and black shoes, ski-style gloves and a mask.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Julie Way on 101 quoting 44160119412.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.