Helston Londis armed robbery attempt: staff member had 'gun' pointed at her

Sunil Shambanna, owner of Londis in Coinagehall Street, has given more detail about the incident that is said to have taken place on Friday evening.

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that an armed robbery attempt was made between 9.20pm and 9.30pm, adding that officers have launched an investigation.

Mr Shambanna said the staff member working at the time had been "shaken up quite badly" after the incident, as had they all been, but that they were fine and nothing had been taken.

He told the Packet: "She was shaken up quite badly on the day, but it's been two or three days now and we have supported her. She's alright, and keeping well.

"You don't see that sort of crime here in this town at all. She was in shock when he pointed [what appeared to be] a gun at her – she said 'Have you gone mad?'

"We have panic buttons here and she said that someone will be here in seconds. He wasn't expecting that from her - he was expecting her to panic and scream. Because she said I think he was shocked as well.

"When she said about the panic button he just left."

Police have asked for anyone who was in the area around that time on Friday to get in touch, as well as anyone who may have doorbell camera footage, CCTV, dash cam footage or cyclist helmet cam footage.

The store, which is also home to Helston Post Office during the day, is open until 10pm on weekdays.

A police spokesperson said: “Police have launched an investigation following an attempted armed robbery in Helston.

"The incident took place between 9.20pm and 9.30pm on Friday 2 September at the Londis Store on Coinagehall Street.

“Enquiries continue and police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident.

“Officers would also like to hear from anyone who may have Ring doorbell footage, CCTV, or dash and helmet cam footage that could aid with the investigation.

“Please contact 101 quoting crime reference CR/080971/22.”