The owner of a cafe who was robbed yesterday at knifepoint has asked people not to be angry on her behalf and expressed sympathy for the thief.

Fiona Crump, owner of Castle Beach Cafe made the plea in a post on Facebook today announcing the cafe would be reopening.

"The cafe will be open today as usual," she said. "I won’t be in as Tuesday is my regular day off but Ali and Jack will take great care of you as always.

"Thank you all for your kind words yesterday.

"Please don’t be angry on my behalf - there’s too much anger in the world already. I am genuinely not angry.

"Mostly I feel sad that a frightened young man could be so desperate that robbing me on a Monday morning seemed like a good idea. I am sad that he did not know he could simply ask for help.

"Today is a day to restore peace and enjoy the view. And if you get a chance to be kind to someone please take it."

She also thanked Devon & Cornwall Police who she said were quick to respond and super kind when they arrived.

Police were called the cafe yesterday morning at 8am after receiving reports of a knifepoint robbery. The thief stole the cafe float.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by sympathisers to help recover the stolen amount and pay for CCTV to be installed.

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However with typical modesty Fiona has expressed concern over the fundraiser saying there are much better things to raise money for.

She posted: "I have just seen that some very kind people have started a GoFundMe page to raise money for me.

"I am overwhelmed by the kind thought but please, please don’t. There really is no need - I’m fine and only lost a small amount of cash.

"If you have cash to spare at the moment there are much better causes out there."

After discussions between organisers and Fiona it has been agreed to let her use any money already collected on the page in the best way she sees fit, including for a charity if she wishes. 

Police have put out an appeal for witnesses.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called to Castle Beach Café on Cliff Road at around 8am with a report that a man threatened a woman with a knife, demanding money.

"Police enquiries to locate the suspect are continuing.

"The suspect is described as a white male, aged in his early 20s and around 5ft 10in in height. He was wearing a black hooded top, a black face mask and blue jeans.

"Police would like anyone in the area who witnessed the incident, or has any information which could assist their enquiries, to contact them on 101 or via email at 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference, CR/053632/21."