Machete-wielding robbers target long-standing Hartlepool takeaway

Primo Pizzeria, which has been in Hartlepool for 30 years, was targeted by three males, with one wielding a machete, in a late night attack on the long-standing takeaway.

The three males, believed to be aged between 16 and 20, entered the shop demanding cash at around midnight on Monday, July 27, into Tuesday.

The manager, who was the lone member of staff on the shop floor at the time, bravely fended off the thugs and managed to lock the door before they smashed three windows with the blunt end of the knife, say owners as they appeal for their ‘beloved’ community’s help to find those responsible.

Dr Moneeb Ahmed, whose father 70-year-old Mubashar owns Primo Pizzeria, said: “We like to think of ourselves as a really big part of the community now. We have been in Hartlepool for 30 years, this is our home town now. We have spent most our lives here and truly love the town, our thousands of customers and the communities we serve.

"So this was quite a shock, they could have taken their lives – they could have done a lot of things. Thankfully the staff weren't hurt.”

"Of course the whole staff were shook up by what happened but we were back open the next day,” added the 32-year-old. “We have had an outpour of support on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We just want the people who did this to be found so they cannot cause anymore more harm to other Hartlepool residents.

"We did all we could to stay open during the Covid-19 lockdown and have increased our hygiene and safety measures dramatically for our thousands of customers.

“We are working with the police, CCTV and new security measures have been put into place. If there is anyone who knows anything we’re asking them to come forward.”

A police investigation into the incident is now under way following the incident in Wynyard Road, Hartlepool.

Officers confirmed one man is believed to have been in possession of a knife and they were all wearing dark clothing.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Police received a report that three males had entered a pizza shop on Wynyard Road, Hartlepool, around midnight on Monday 27th July into Tuesday 28th July.

“One of the males had a knife in his possession.

“The three males are believed to have been aged 16-20, wearing dark clothing.

“The males threw sauce around the shop and one used the blunt end of the knife to cause damage to three windows.

"Anyone who may have any information regarding the incident is asked to contact DC Matt Brophy on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 121746.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.