Attempted robbery at Thomas Cook's in Camberley

WITNESSES to an attempted robbery at a travel agents in Camberley are being sought.

The incident took place around 12.45pm on Friday, 1 March at the Thomas Cook store on the High Street.

A man entered the store and threatened a female member of staff  who was  able to open the store door and shout for help  before the offender left empty handed.

Police would like to speak to two youngsters who it is believed could have recorded the attempted robbery on a smartphone.  

It is thought the offender then ran down Princess Way and along an alleyway which leads to Pembroke Broadway then towards the Goose Public House.

He discarded items of clothing along the way and officers are currently searching the area to trace a hat, a pair of light coloured jogging bottoms and a white Lidl carrier bag and urge anyone who has seen such items to contact them immediately.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Sherren Smith from Guildford CID, said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time the incident took place and who has information to contact officers.

"I would particularly like to speak with two youngsters who were seen looking in the window of Thomas Cook as it is believed they may have recorded the incident on a mobile phone and this could prove to be vital evidence.

A man in his late 40s from the London area was arrested a short time later at Camberley Railway Station on suspicion of attempted robbery and remains in police custody at this time.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference SH/13/867 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.