Issued by North Yorkshire Police
Detectives in York are appealing for assistance to trace a robbery suspect who targeted an off-licence in the city.
The incident occurred at the Millennium Food and Wine shop, on Bishopthorpe Road, at about 12.40pm on Monday 18 February 2013.
The suspect threatened to harm a female member of staff with a knife that he claimed was in his bag. He struck her on the head with his hand while he attempted to break into a till by smashing it onto the floor.
He left the shop empty handed.
The shop assistant, who did not see a knife, suffered bruising to her head and was checked over at the scene by paramedics. She did not require hospital treatment.
The suspect is described as white, slim build, about 5ft 6in tall, aged in his late teens, with distinctive pale blue eyes.
He was wearing a three-quarter length royal blue rain jacket that was elasticated around the waist and with a thick black stripe across the shoulders. It has a blue hood and high collar that he used to cover his face.
He was also wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, dark grey gloves and he was carrying dark JD sports drawstring bag with three white stripes on it.
He arrived and left on what appeared to be a mountain bike.
Extensive police enquires were carried out on Monday afternoon and into the evening to search for the suspect, including the use of police dogs and armed response officers.
Reassurance patrols were also put in place and these will continue while the investigation progresses.
Officers are urging people to come forward with information to help identify the suspect or any detail that could assist the investigation.
Acting Detective Inspector Fiona Wynne, of York CID, said: “This was a terrifying experience for the member of staff which has left her very shaken and deeply upset.
“We are following a number of lines of enquiry to locate and arrest the suspect.
“As part of this, we are appealing to the people of York to assist the police by passing on any information that could help identify him or point us to his whereabouts.
“We also need to know of any possible sightings of a man matching his description who was riding a mountain bike at around the time of the incident.
“Please do the right thing and contact the police as soon as possible. Or if you would prefer not to give your name, make a call to Crimestoppers.”
If you can help, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for York CID.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12130027591.
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