| Door-to-door inquiries in the area of the Cheque Centre in Commercial Street are continuing, while hours of CCTV footage are being scanned for clues.
The man leading the hunt for the would-be robber, who fled empty handed after spending a short time in the shop yesterday afternoon, revealed a nearby shopping centre might have been used as a getaway route.
“The Forum Centre is right next door and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he has gone in there after the incident,” said Detective Inspector Willie Semple.
“We have spoken to the majority of people working in the shops around there, but officers will be completing that today.
“We are also looking at a lot of CCTV tapes, and making inquiries regarding the public transport side of things as well.
“The area around Commercial Street was effectively sealed off yesterday. It remains our main focus today, and we will widen the net from there.”
The drama began at around 4.20pm, when the man pointed what is described as a “small gun” at the staff of the cheque cashing outlet.
He demanded money, but left empty-handed minutes later. The staff were said to be shaken as a result, but uninjured.
The culprit is described as in his mid-30s to early 40s, about five foot 10, slim with sharp features. He had dark eyes, short dark receding hair and was unshaven.
He was wearing a light coloured zipped-up jacket with writing on the left breast, denim jeans and dark shoes. It’s possible he has a local accent.
In the aftermath of the raid, there was a heightened police presence throughout the city centre and on main roads out of the area.
The shop itself, a small outlet beneath a hairdresser’s salon, was cordoned off as forensics specialists examined the scene.
DI Semple today repeated his appeal for witnesses — even if they don’t think they have pertinent information.
“We would like to speak to anyone who was in the Commercial Street area between 4pm and 4.30pm,” he said.
“We have had a limited response from witnesses so far, but are hoping to get a better response from the public today.”
Anyone with information regarding the Commercial Street incident is asked to contact Tayside Police on Dundee 223200 or speak to any officer. |
