Holywell,North Wales - Shopkeeper in Holywell left shocked by knifepoint robbery

Published date: 29 February 2016 | 

Published by: Owen Evans 
Read more articles by Owen Evans Email reporter

A SHOPKEEPER has described her terror after being held at knifepoint by a masked robber.

Fiona Craig, who runs Pen Y Maes Newsagents on Bryn y Gwynt, Holywell, said she has been left fearing for her safety after the knife-wielding robber made off with about £400 from her till.

Mrs Craig, who has only been running the newsagents for two weeks, said the incident, on Saturday afternoon was over in a flash but has left her terrified.

She said: “I had just put the phone down to my husband and this lad walked in with his face hidden by a scarf and hoody.

“He walked up to the till and pulled out a knife and said ‘give me all the cash out of the till’.

“I thought it was a prank at first and then he put the knife further forward and said it again so I gave him the money and he ran out.”

Mrs Craig said she saw the thug running down the road away from the scene before she took refuge in the nearby butchers shop.

She said: “The butchers locked the door and took me in there and phoned the police who were amazing – they were here within a matter of minutes. It has left me really shaken and nervous.”

Mrs Craig ran the same shop 12 years ago for about six years before selling it, but returned about two weeks ago to run the store again.

She said she had never experienced anything like it in her time, and had not heard of a similar incident at the store in the 12 years between.

“Somebody wielding a knife at you is just something you do not expect to happen”, she said.

“You don’t know what somebody like that is capable of and I hope they catch him soon. I have barely slept.

“I wouldn’t want this to happen to any other shopkeeper and I will feel a lot safer when he is caught.”

Mrs Craig said the support of the community had been “amazing” since the incident took place.

Police have appealed for anyone with information in relation to the incident to contact them immediately.

A spokesman for the force said: “Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to a robbery which occurred on Saturday, February 27 in the Holywell area.

“The incident took place at Pen y Maes Newsagents in Bryn y Gwynt, Holywell at around 3pm.

“Anyone who saw or heard anything, or has any information, in connection with this incident is asked to call 101 quoting ref U028584.”

see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/159152/shopkeeper-in-holywell-left-shocked-by-knifepoint-robbery.aspx