Vulnerable Man Robbed In Hereford

Police officers are appealing for information following a robbery in Hereford. The incident occurred in Bartonsham Road on Thursday 5 January.

At around 11am, the victim - a 37-year-old man with learning difficulties - was walking along the road close to the ‘Wing Sing' restaurant when he was suddenly surrounded by a group containing four people. It appears the group was made up of three females and a male.

The group intimidated the victim and then demanded that he hand over his money. Feeling frightened, the victim handed over all the money he had.

It is not known how much money he handed over.

A police spokesman said:

"Due to his learning difficulties the victim is extremely vulnerable and he has been left very shaken by the incident.

"Officers investigating this robbery now have reason to believe that this is not the first time this man has been targeted and therefore they are keen to trace the group responsible for taking his money as soon as possible.

"The eldest member of the group has been described as being aged in her 30s and as having short ‘orange' hair, while the youngest member of the group is described as being a boy aged around 10 years old. He is also described as having short dark hair and as wearing a dark green hooded top, grey shorts and red Nike trainers.

"The other two members of the group are described as being a woman wearing a short sleeved red top and dark blue skirt, and another female aged around 13. The 13-year-old is also described as having dyed hair and as wearing an orange top and orange tracksuit bottoms with a picture of a red dragon on them.

"Police officers investigating this incident would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident on 5 January, or any other incidents of a similar nature that may involve the same victim.

"They'd also like to hear from anyone who believes they may know the identity of any of the individuals from the descriptions released today.

"Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact investigating officers on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously 0800 555 111."

Issued: Monday 16 January 2012