Locals tell of shock following Bridport armed robbery

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses after a man armed with a knife entered independent grocery and newsagent St Swithun’s Stores, North Allington, and pushed the elderly victim before stealing cigarettes.

Locals have spoken out in support of the victim Terry Barnes, who is well-known in the community.

Fulbrooks Lane resident Darren Long said: “It’s absolutely disgusting.

“If this was someone local, they will know Mrs Barnes like everybody does around here – and it’s absolutely unthinkable to do this to someone as nice as her.

“It is so horrible that she has had to go through that and I can’t understand why someone would do it.”

Caroline Robbins said: “It’s awful but these sort of things seem to be happening more and more in Bridport.

“If someone is going to pull out a knife, then there isn’t really much anyone and the police can do to stop it.”

Neil Eccleston said: “Everyone around here knows the lady – she’s always looking out for everyone.

“It’s a bit shocking that someone could do such a nasty thing to someone like her, who cares so much for everyone.

“You do get people hanging around here, but I would never expect someone to threaten Terry or do something like this.”

The robber is described as a white man aged about 20 years old, of very slim build, about 5ft 1ins to 5ft 2ins tall.

He was wearing a hooded top and carrying a white cloth bag over his shoulder.

The incident took place at around 4.45pm on Saturday February 14 – and officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Detective Constable Daniel Rowan of Weymouth CID said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have information about this incident or saw anyone fitting the description in the area at the time to contact me in confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 14:329 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.