Armed robbery at the White Rose Center in Leeds

Police were called just before 9pm last night.

An investigation is underway after an armed robbery at the White Rose Shopping Center in Leeds.

Police say they were called just before 9pm last night after 5 people entered the jewelers in Beaverbrook with guns.

They stole a number of watches.

A police statement said:

“Detectives are appealing for information following an armed robbery at White Rose Shopping Center last night (Wednesday, June 26).

“Police received several calls from 8.42pm about a robbery in progress at Beaverbrooks Jewellers. Five suspects were reported to have entered the mall in possession of weapons, including a chainsaw, baseball bats and a sledgehammer. They damaged glass cabinets in the store and made off with a number of clocks.

“One member of staff had his hair pulled out during the incident but was otherwise physically unharmed.”

Detective Inspector John Graham, of Leeds District CID, said:

“This clearly planned and targeted robbery took place when the shopping center was fairly quiet, but I understand the huge concern it caused those present to see these individuals armed with multiple weapons.

“Thankfully the member of staff who was confronted by these thieves did not suffer any lasting injuries, but this was an extremely traumatic experience for them. Any use of weapons that makes people fear violence is extremely serious.

“We have extensive investigations underway to identify those responsible. I would urge anyone with information that could assist us in our ongoing investigation into this robbery to contact us.”

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