Man wanted after shop staff threatened with an axe handle in Ribbleton robbery

Police are asking for help to trace a man wanted in connection with a robbery at McColls convenience store in Ribbleton Avenue last week.

Officers want to speak to John James Gray, 18, after members of staff were threatened with an axe handle during the early morning raid on Monday March 30.

At around 6.30am two men broke into the shop, threatening staff inside before making off towards the Greenlands estate with around £1,500 in cash, plus cigarettes and alcohol.

Last week, a 33-year-old man from Preston was charged with robbery and appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

Preston Police now want to speak to Gray in connection with the incident and need anyone who has seen him or knows where he is to contact them.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we don’t have an image of Gray that we can share but we know that people in the Ribbleton, Fulwood and city centre areas of Preston are likely to know or recognise him.”

If you can help call 01772 209729 or if you fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 165 of March 30th. You can also email 3583@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.