Shops targeted by robbers in separate weekend raids

The incident took place at the R S McColl branch on Eaglesham Road around 9.30pm, with just an 18-year-old male staff member present.

Two men entered the store, one with a firearm, and demanded money from the shop worker. They stole a small sum and a quantity of cigarettes then left, travelling south on Eaglesham Road.

The weapon was not used, but the staff member sustained a minor injury to his head, and was taken to the Victoria Infirmary for treatment before being released.

Investigating officers have issued descriptions of the two robbers – the first, wielding the firearm, is white, late 20s, and was wearing a dark Fred Perry waterproof jacket, a white hoodie, balaclava and blue jeans.

The second man was also white, late 20s and wearing a dark hoodie, jeans and Nike Air Max trainers.

Detective sergeant Mark McLennan said: “This was undoubtedly a terrifying experience for the young man who was working in the newsagents. Thankfully he was not seriously injured but he has been left very shaken as a result.

“The newsagents is situated in a very busy road, and there are several takeaways and off licences nearby.

“On a Friday night, this would have been more busy than usual so I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of this area of Eaglesham Road to get in touch with police.

“We are currently looking through all the CCTV coverage in that area in an effort to identify those responsible, but we need people to come forward with any information they may have.

“Did you see two men fitting the descriptions of the suspects acting suspiciously nearby just prior to the incident taking place?

“We know they left on foot however it is possible they had access to a vehicle, so I’d ask anyone who may have seen a vehicle parked nearby that may have been driven erratically or at speed to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact Pollok CID on 532 5600 – or Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111.

A SECOND newsagent was robbed this weekend as the Cathcart branch of RS McColl was targeted on Saturday morning.

In an incident unrelated to the Clarkston robbery, the Carmunnock Road was hit at 7am, when two female staff members – aged 50 and 52 – where opening the store.

A man entered and threatened the women with violence and a weapon, demanding money and the keys to the shop safe.

He stole a four figure sum and keys to a white Volkswagen Polo which was parked outside before leaving in the car, which was later found burnt out in nearby Linn Park.

The women were uninjured but left shaken by the robbery.

The thief is described as 5ft10, slim and with a gaunt, unkempt appearance and yellowing teeth. He was wearing a black jacket with a blue hoodie underneath, dirty blue jeans and dark shoes.

Detective constable Stephen McGrath commented: “This was a brazen act by this man who went into the shop literally as it opened for the day. I’d like to reassure the public that we’re continuing extensive enquiries into the incident.

“We understand that there was a man who entered the shop just prior to the suspect entering.

“Unfortunately we’ve been unable to trace this man as he left as the incident occurred, so we would urge this man to come forward to police as he may have information that could help with our enquiry.”

DC McGrath, based at Aikenhead Road, added that police are not linking the incident with the robbery in Clarkston, and added: “We’re carrying out door to door enquiries, and this includes speaking to other shop owners nearby.

“I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen a white Volkswagen Polo being driven at speed just after the incident taking place, and anyone who saw it around Linn Park, which is a short drive away, before being set alight.

“I know the area is busy with dog walkers and on a Saturday morning this would have been no different with people coming and going to buy their morning papers.”

Anyone with information can contact Aikenhead Road CID on 532 4900.