Witness appeal after robbery in Popley

Detectives in Basingstoke are appealing for witnesses after a robbery in Popley on Thursday, August 7.

At around 7.45am a 56-year-old man was walking to work along the footpath adjacent to Marnell Junior School in Popley.

He was approached by a man who threatened him with a Stanley knife and demanded his wallet. 

The victim handed over the wallet and then saw a second man with the offender as they both ran off in the direction of Bermuda Close.

The first man is described as: 

• White
• 6ft 1ins tall
• Skinny build
• Pale complexion
• Wearing a dark grey hooded top with the hood up hiding his face, he was also wearing glasses

The second man is described as: 

• White
• 5ft 5ins tall
• Wearing a green hooded top with the hood up concealing his face

Detective Constable Oliver Lage, of Basingstoke CID, said: “Robberies like this are rare and we want to send out a message that knife crime will not be tolerated anywhere in our county.

“This incident happened in the morning when people would have been around making their journey to work.

“We would urge any witnesses or anyone who saw two men matching the descriptions in the area to contact police as soon as possible.”

A 16-year-old boy from Basingstoke and an 18-year-old man from Basingstoke have been arrested and bailed in connection with this incident.

Can you help?

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Lage at Basingstoke police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.