Gwent Police is appealing for information following a robbery and an attempted robbery in the Newport area. Both incidents occurred at around 11.45pm on Friday 1st April 2011 in the Shaftsbury area.
In the first incident a 60 year old man was walking along Shaftsbury Walk when he was approached by 3 individuals. One of them threatened the man with what was reported to possibly be an imitation handgun and demanded his wallet. When the victim refused to give it, the group made off in the direction of Albany Road.
The main offender is described as being Asian, between 22 and 27 years old, approximately 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 inches tall and of slim build. He had short dark hair and a local accent. He was wearing a flat cap with a peak, a light-weight zipped jacket, light coloured t-shirt and baggy jeans.
The second incident occurred on Shaftsbury Street. A man was approached by a group of about 8 individuals (male and female aged between 15 and 20 years old). He was punched by one of the individuals causing him to fall to the floor and drop his mobile phone. He was then hit to the face with what was reported to be a handgun causing a cut lip. His mobile phone was stolen and the group made off towards the city centre. The victim was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital for stitches to his lip.
Two people stopped to help the victim, and police are particularly keen to trace and speak to these individuals to assist with their enquiries.
At this time police are considering a link between the two incidents.
If you have any information relating to either of these incidents please contact Gwent Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
