Appeal for witnesses after violent robberies

Police in Hackney Road Photo: indymedia

Hackney police are appealing for witnesses, after an elderly woman was violently assaulted and a 19 year old woman was held at knifepoint during two separate robberies on Monday.

The first robbery occurred on Monday morning when the victim, an 86-year-old woman, returned to her flat in Clapton after going to the shops at 10am. A man was standing outside when she returned, and demanded that she open her front door. He then entered the flat and punched her in the face, before stealing her purse and fleeing.

The victim was taken to hospital with a cut lip and swollen left cheek, but has since been released. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident, but police are appealing for witnesses who may have noticed anything suspicious in the Woolmer House and Upper Clapton Road area between 10am and 10.15am.

The second robbery occurred around midday when a 19-year-old woman was paying for items in a newsagents on Evering Road in Stoke Newington. A man entered the shop with his face covered, wrapped his right arm around her neck and held a knife to her throat. The shopkeeper responded to the suspect’s demands, handing over several hundred pounds from the till.

The suspect ran from the newsagents, making his way along Evering Road towards Rectory Road railway station. He is described as black, 5’11” tall, in his mid 20s with brown eyes, and of a skinny build. He was wearing white goggles and a black scarf covering the rest of his face, a black wool hat, black puffa jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and black fleece gloves.

Witnesses should contact Hackney police’s robbery squad on 020 7275 3232.

Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or email Hackney police at hackneypolice@met.police.uk

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