Leeds shop workers caught in Scream-mask '˜gun' threat robbery terror

ROBBERY: A CCTV image of the Scream-mask wearing robber who terrified Leeds supermarket staff

Police are appealing for information following the terrifying robbery at the One Stop convenience store in Hyde Park at just after 9pm on Tuesday night (April 3).

A man wearing a ‘Scream’ mask - like the one worn in the horror movie franchise - and a ‘Deliveroo’ branded jacket had entered the store and threatened the two members of staff on duty.

He had a bulge in his pocket and claimed to have a gun. He demanded cash from the till, and put it into a bag along with alcohol and cigarettes.

The One Stop supermarket in Hyde Park, Leeds. PICTURE: Google

He was then about to force the workers to open the shop’s ATM machine, but fled when more customers came in. He ran off down Hyde Park Road towards Hyde Park Terrace.

The robber was described as being about 6ft tall and of very slim build. He was wearing a blue and white tracksuit and a long light blue Deliveroo coat. He spoke with a thick Yorkshire accent.

Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: “Although no gun was seen during the robbery, it was clearly a very frightening experience for the victims.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the suspect in the vicinity.”

Shop worker Woody Khan, who was threatened by a robber wearing a Scream mask and claiming to have a gun

Woody Khan, who was one of the workers on duty and was threatened directly by the robber, said: “I was just putting stock on the shelf, and suddenly this guy came in wearing a Scream mask.

“He was holding a black bag and said ‘put everything in it, do as I say or I’m going to shoot you’. I could see an outline of a gun in his pocket, he definitely had something in there.

“While we were talking, some other customers came in and they got scared. When he saw the customers, he just took what he had and ran.”

Mr Khan said there were other customers outside who would have seen the robber, and urged witnesses to call the police.

“He was so relaxed and confident, but he started panicking when the customers came in,” he added.

“He took the money, wine and cigarettes and he ‘said thank you’ but I was thinking ‘go to hell!’ and was relieved.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime number 13180156667 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.