From the
Plymouth Herald:
A train was stopped and searched by police in a manhunt after a tattooed robber threatened the manager of a service station with a knife.
Officers were called to the Vale Service Station in Alexandra Road, Mutley, after reports of an armed robbery. The 49-year-old manager of the service station was at the counter when a bald man, with tattoos on his head, shoulders and leg, walked in and asked for cigarettes at about 7.50am this morning.
When the manager opened the till the robber pulled out a six-inch knife and demanded money. The terrified manager handed over what police have described as a three-figure sum. The robber then ran off up Lipson Hill.
Police were on the scene in minutes and a description of the robber was put out to all officers, including British Transport Police.
A man matching the description had boarded a train at Plymouth heading for Dundee. Devon and Cornwall Constabulary were able to halt the train at Exeter and the carriages were searched.
A man similar in appearance was found but police were able to eliminate him from their inquiries.
The man is white and described as thin with short to shaved dark hair. He was aged between 30 and 40 and wore a blue singlet, Union Jack shorts, a black jacket which was initially wrapped around his waist and army-style boots.
He was also carrying a rucksack and had tattoos on his head, neck, shoulder, upper arm and legs.
Det Insp Matt Lawrence, who is heading the manhunt, confirmed a First Great Western train was stopped and searched at Exeter but said the man spotted by BTP▸ officers was 'not our offender'. "The manager of the service station is still very shaken up by the experience," DI Lawrence said. "It's a traumatic incident for any person to experience and we quickly followed up on any potential sightings of our suspect. This man will be known to somebody and has very distinctive tattoos over his body. I'd urge anyone who has information to contact police or Crimestoppers immediately."
The police number is 08452 777444. Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555111; you do not have to give your name. The police log number is 146 of July 16.
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