Weymouth knifeman hunted after Maceys robbery, Abbotsbury Road

Armed police officers swooped on Maceys convenience store and newsagents on Abbotsbury Road this afternoon (Friday, April 19) after a man, reportedly in possession of a knife, threatened staff members.

He is said to have demanded money from the till as well as other items before fleeing. No-one was injured although staff would have been left shocked by the ordeal.

Dorset Police cordoned off the shop after man threatened staff (Image: Tom Lawrence)

It prompted a major police response with officers, including the armed response team, being alerted to search for the knifeman.

The police helicopter was scrambled to help in the manhunt.

Five police cars could be seen outside the shop - near the junction with Cromwell Road - with the premises cordoned off with police tape.

A forensics van was later seen as officers searched for clues.

The shop reopened later in the afternoon.

Armed police officers on Abbotsbury Road after a knifepoint robbery at Maceys Newsagents (Image: Newsquest)

Armed police officers were seen at nearby properties as the search for a suspect continued. No arrests had been made yet.

Local residents and workers told of their shock.

One resident said: "Police told me they are looking for someone. I didn't see anything but I saw all of the police. It was very worrying to see them all show up."

A passer-by added: "I went to the shop to buy vapes. I saw the shop was closed and I heard it was a robbery. It was a bit worrying."
 

A police helicopter was seen circuling the area (Image: Hollie Carr)

A worker at the Weymouth Vape shop next door to Maceys said: "We didn't see or hear anything but our boss rang us to say there had been a robbery."

 Another resident who lives opposite to the shop had only just been across to the store. 
They added: "I went in to buy beer 20 minutes ago. I didn't hear anything but I came out and saw all of the police cars.

"I don't know what has happened but I hope everyone is ok."

A police presence will remain in the area as officers continue their enquiries (Image: Tom Lawrence)

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 1.45pm on Friday, April 19, that a man threatened a staff member and demanded money from the till as well as other stock items at the Macey's Newsagents on Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth.

"It is reported that the man was in possession of a knife.

"There will be an increased police presence at this time as officers make enquiries and carry out searches of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter.

"There were no injuries reported. No arrests have been made."