Gun-wielding thief sparks three robberies in Christchurch – one arrested
Detectives are on the case after a string of robberies rocked Christchurch on Saturday evening. A man armed with a gun struck at three nearby shops, making off with food, wine, and cigarettes — but luckily, no one was hurt.
Shock armed raid at Co-Op Food
The drama kicked off at 5.30pm when the suspect stormed the Co-Op Food store on Fairmile Road. Despite brandishing a firearm, he made no threats and no injuries were reported. The crook grabbed some food, jumped into a white Ford Fiesta, and sped off.
Fuel station raid and violent assault follow
The suspect then drove into the Fairmile Service Station next door. Officer say he entered the petrol station shop with the gun again, nabbed wine and cigarettes, and walked out without paying.
Minutes later, a man stormed the nearby Fairmile Convenience Store and stole more goods. It’s believed a man and a woman were assaulted during the incident.
High-speed chase ends on M3 with arrest
As the suspect fled in his Fiesta, his vehicle collided with another car. Police caught up with and arrested a 23-year-old London man on the northbound M3 motorway. He now faces charges including robbery, firearm possession, and driving offences.
A firearm was seized during the arrest. Dorset Police Detective Inspector Andrea Power said: “A full investigation is underway following these troubling incidents in Christchurch. We urge anyone who witnessed these events and has not yet spoken to officers to come forward.”
Local officers will patrol the area to reassure residents and address concerns.
Speak up to help catch the crook
- Contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101, quoting incident number 18:330
- Or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
