‘Desperate robber’ kidnaps woman

Police have appealed to a suspected armed robber to give himself up following the incident in Hampshire on Saturday.

Officers said the man approached a house in Rookes Lane, Lymington, and pointed a gun to threaten the people who live there, a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s.

The man suffered a minor head injury during a confrontation with the suspect inside the house, where money was demanded. No shots were fired but about £100 in cash was stolen.

The robber then stole the couple’s car, a silver/grey Peugeot 207 convertible, which was driven erratically at speed around the local area with the woman who was forced to travel in the front passenger seat.

She not injured and was returned home around 15 minutes later before the car was abandoned.

Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said: “I am appealing directly to the suspect to consider the consequences of his actions. From our initial inquiries, we understand you might be facing personal and painful circumstances in which you feel trapped and desperate for money.”

Police said they were linking the incident to a robbery on December 5 at Brockenhurst rail station. They have also appealed for the driver of a 4x4 vehicle whom the woman waved at in a bid to get their attention to come forward as a possible witness. The car stopped to allow the Peugeot to drive past while the robber was at the wheel. The woman told police she waved at the 4x4 driver, who waved back, but did not appear to realise the reality of the situation inside the Peugeot.