An armed robber held up a travel agents this morning armed with an axe or a machete.

Police were called at 10.09am to a report of an armed robbery at Thomas Cook, Wallington Square, off Woodcote Road, Wallington.

A lone man held up staff in the shop and escaped out the back of the shop with a quantity of cash.

Early reports indicate the man may have been carrying an axe or machete.

Sutton police were assisted by armed Met Police officers and dog unit officers as well as the police helicopter.

They carried out a search of the area without trace of the suspect.

The suspect was described as 6ft, about 12 stone and wearing a boiler suit and dark trainers.

An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, called the police.

She said: "There were people outside the travel agents holding their faces.  They were not hurt, I think they were just in shock. It must have been just after it happened because nobody saw anything at the time.  You can't even get into the travel agent without ringing the buzzer so I don't know how it happened."

A Thomas Cook UK and Ireland spokesperson said: “The staff of our Wallington store are safe and unharmed, though understandably shaken by their experience. 

The safety of our customers and staff is always our priority. Thankfully incidents like this are rare and we will ensure that of those impacted receive the support and counselling they need.

The police have launched an immediate investigation and we are co-operating fully with them as they pursue their enquiries.”

If you have any information about the robbery please call Sutton police station or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously.

Did you see anything? Contact jpepper@london.newsquest.co.uk.

 

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