Police have launched a manhunt after a terrifying armed robbery in broad daylight in Angus at the weekend.
Two men burst into a popular convenience store and post office in Brechin and threatened a 61-year-old member of staff with a hatchet and hammer before stealing a three-figure sum of cash and cigarettes.
Concerned members of the public spoke of a heavy police presence outside the premises of Dennis’s Premier general store on Montrose Street following the incident, which was reported to police at around 7.50am on Sunday.
By 12.30pm the shop’s security shutters were down as the business closed for the day.
Security shutters were also in place on two windows of a property adjacent to the main shop.
The shop’s owners are well-known in the local community, with a sign above the door stating they were ‘proud to serve our community since 1964’.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he had spoken to the owner shortly after the incident.
He said: “He was really shaken. What has happened is really terrible.
“It’s a busy shop and everyone knows the family who have run it for years.
“The only consolation is no-one is injured.”
Police Scotland issued an urgent appeal in the hope of tracing those responsible.
Both suspects are described as white, in their mid-20s, around 5ft 6in tall with a slim build.
The first suspect was wearing a dark hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms and a dark scarf covering his face.
He was carrying a yellow and black hatchet.
The second suspect was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and a light blue hooded rain jacket with red toggles and a white St Andrews cross over the shoulders.
He was carrying a hammer.
Detective Sergeant Lucy Cameron, of Dundee CID, said: “Nobody was injured. However, this was a frightening experience and our inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.
“If anyone saw these men either before or after the robbery took place, or has any information about this incident, please contact us on 101 quoting incident number 1318 of 29 September 2019 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Jill Scott, chairwoman of the City of Brechin and District Community Council, condemned those responsible.
She said: “The thoughts of our community are with the family and staff that they’ve had to endure this terrifying ordeal.
“I’m disgusted that low life like this would attack such a valuable asset to Brechin.
“This is a third generation family business and gratefully respected members of our community.
“I hope that these people are apprehended swiftly and dealt with appropriately.”
