Officers investigating a robbery in Honiton have released further images of a man they are urgently trying to trace.

A team of dedicated officers are now involved in the investigation following the robbery which took place at Banwell Antiques, in Honiton over the weekend.



The incident took place as a female staff member, who was working alone, opened up the store at around 9am. The woman was grabbed from behind by the suspect before being tied up. Although not physically injured she was left very shaken by the incident. She is now being supported by officers and her family.

Clearer images of the man police wish to speak to in connection with the offence have now been released and police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise him.



He is described as a white man, of slim build, unshaven, with short dark hair and is aged between 30 – 50 years. He was wearing a blue coat, blue denim jeans, black trainers, beige coloured flat cap and was carrying a blue rucksack and black holdall bag.



Officers are also keen to speak to anyone who thinks they may have seen the man in the hours before or after the incident or saw any items of clothing discarded such as a rucksack or hat similar to those captured in the CCTV images.



Det Sgt Mark Oldershaw, who is leading the investigation, said: “ We know the robbery took place as the victim was opening up the store at around 9am. What we would like to know is did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the hours before or after this? The victim’s handbag was stolen during this incident so any information with regards to the disposal of this is also of significant interest.”



The new footage released by police is much clearer than those previously circulated and officers are hoping they will lead to further information coming forward from the community.

Officers are also asking anyone who is approached and offered jewellery for sale to contact them.



Although the value of the items stolen has not been fully ascertained police know the quantity and quality of the jewellery taken was considerable and included items listed below:



• gold bangles, bracelets, necklaces and rings.

• precious jem and diamond set pendants white and gold

• ring sets with diamonds & semi precious stones

• Amethyst oval shaped 20+ carats surrounded by 4 carat diamonds set in a gold pendant

• Oval shaped black opal surrounded by diamonds

• Natural tallow sapphire 7 carat worth set in 18 carat white gold surrounded by 1 carat of diamond

• 18 carat solid gold gents solitaire ring with 21/2 carat diamond

• Oval shaped pink sapphire and diamond stud earings set in white gold

• Oval shaped emerald and diamond cluster ring

• Long strand of graduated graded beads 26”

• Long strand of hollow ornate gold balls in necklace

Anyone with information should contact Devon and Cornwall direct on 101 quoting police log number 467 of 22nd March or to give anonymous information please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.