‘Scream’ mask knife robber hunted as police investigate raids at three Sheffield shops

South Yorkshire Police say one suspect wore a ‘Scream’ mask during one raid and two wore Halloween masks in another.

Police say they are currently not linking the robberies at convenience stores in Stannington, Grimesthorpe and Norton Lees.

The first robbery was at a Spar store on Stannington Road at around 9.30pm on Sunday, 27 September.

Two men entered the store and threatened staff with a knife.

One of the men was wearing a mask, similar to one from the film ‘Scream.’ He is described as being of medium build and was wearing a navy North Face jacket.

The second man was wearing a black jacket with grey fur around the hood. Both men were wearing distinctive red and yellow gloves. They left the store with around £200 in cash and a quantity of cigarettes.

The second robbery happened just before 7pm last night (Monday, 28 September) at a convenience store on Grimesthorpe Road in Grimesthorpe.

One man entered the store dressed all in black with his face partially covered. He was reported to be have a knife and a gun.

He attacked a member of staff by hitting him across the head and then fled the scene with around £50.

The victim was taken to hospital and needed stitches to a head injury.

Just before 7.30pm last night, two men entered a Co-op store on Lees Hall Avenue in Norton Lees. Both men were wearing Halloween masks and one of them threatened staff with a firearm.

Both men were also wearing hooded tops, one in green and one in red, and had the hoods pulled up over their heads.

The man in the green top, who had a local accent, is described as 5ft 9in tall and of slim build.

They left the store with between £300 to £500 and it was reported they fled the scene in a white coloured car.

Det Insp Richard Partridge said: “We are investigating each robbery as a separate incident; we are not linking them at this time and there is no suggestion or intelligence to suggest they are connected.

“I would ask anyone who lives in either Stannington, Grimesthorpe or Norton Lees, and believes they may have information, been a witness, or if they were in the surrounding area around the times the crimes were committed, to please contact police.”

DI Partridge added: “I want to reassure businesses in Sheffield that these incidents are being treated as a priority and we are committed to finding those responsible.

“If any of the details sound familiar, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, I would urge you to please make contact with us as your information could prove vital.

“If you have information, please call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 961 of 28 September.”