Community shock after Mosterton Spar shop burglary

Locals praised the shop as a valuable community resource and said their thoughts are with the owners.

As previously reported, two people were arrested after the Spar Mosterton village shop was broken into.

Dorset Police received a report of an aggravated burglary at the premises in Orchard Way at 4.12am on Saturday, April 27.

READ MORE: Break-in at village shop

A man and a woman allegedly forced their way in armed with a hammer.

Two victims, a man and a woman, both sustained injuries which police say are not believed to be serious.

A full investigation into the incident was carried out by detectives from Dorset County CID.

The shop was cordoned off by police on Saturday and forensics teams were called to the site.

The shop was closed to the public throughout Saturday (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The convenience store is the only shop in the village and is regularly used by residents.

Sharon Brown lives on Manor Vale nearby and heard the alarm go off.

Mrs Brown said she was worried about the owners of the shop after seeing forensics outside and police tape around the front of the premises.

She said: "They had forensics and police here earlier in the day.

"I hope they are alright, they are a family with two kids.

"I don't understand it to be honest, what is there in that shop?

"Shops don't keep much cash anymore, let's face it not many people pay cash anymore and there isn't a cash machine in there."

She added: "I hope the family are alright, that is all that matters."

"We were very worried about them, they are neighbours as well as our local shopkeepers.

"That shop is amazing, we are very lucky, they have everything you could ever need. It is so much more than a convenience shop to everyone here."

Becky Beal, also of Manor Vale, said: "It is shocking, it is not something you expect.

"This is a lovely little village; it is sad to hear something like that has happened.

"It is the only shop in the village, it is an essential part of Mosterton, used so often by everyone."

Man and woman appear in court over conspiracy to commit burglaries

Two people have appeared in court after being charged with conspiracy to commit burglaries at stores in Dorset and Somerset.

Luke Spencer, 34, of no fixed address, and Emma Hendy, 46 of Blackdown Road, Bridgwater, Somerset appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 29).

Spencer has been charged with conspiring to commit a burglary other than a dwelling, between January 14 and April 28.

This encompasses alleged offences at the Spar shop in Mosterton, as well as the BP garage in Curry Rivel, the Premier Store in Moorland Road in Bridgwater, and Brocks in Rockwell Green in Wellington, Somerset.

Spencer has also been charged with causing actual bodily harm against a store worker in Dorset, and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.

Hendy has been charged with conspiring to commit burglary other than a dwelling, between April 27 and April 28.

This encompasses the same alleged offences in Mosterton and Wellington. She’s also been charged with permitting the use of a motor vehicle without insurance.

Spencer was remanded in custody, while Hendy was released on conditional bail, until their next appearance at Taunton Crown Court on May 31.