Appeal after Dawlish man sprayed in face with chemicals

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - 5:17pm

At around 2.30pm on Monday 30 January 2017, two men approached a man in his 50s, close to the junction with Lawn Hill and The Strand. 

The man, who is an employee of a nearby shop, was taking the weekend takings to be banked.  He was sprayed in the face with a substance and the cash was stolen by these two men.

The offenders made their way from the scene on foot, running up Lawn Hill, turning left on to High Street before turning right again and running up Orchard Gardens.  The offenders were followed by one or two young men on push bikes.

The offenders both had their faces covered with either scarves or balaclavas and hooded tops and were wearing dark clothing.

The victim was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he has undergone treatment on his seriously damaged eyes which had been burnt by the liquid that was sprayed at him. 

The victim has some sight back in one eye but it is too early to state what the lasting damage or impact will be on the victim’s eyesight.

Police are continuing to search the area, secure CCTV footage and obtain witness statements from people who were in the area at the time of the incident.

Police would like to be contacted by anyone who was in the area at the time who saw the offenders at the scene or on the route they followed after the attack.

Detective Inspector Mike Jones said: "This was a shocking robbery at a time when the Strand was busy with shoppers going about their daily business and police are appealing to anyone who may have any information that could help them to identify the people responsible for this despicable crime.”

Anyone who has any relevant information is asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting CR/007207/17.  Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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