A SHOPKEEPER was grabbed by the neck and threatened with a gun during an armed robbery two days after a train was stopped by police at the town’s railway station amid reports passengers on board had guns.
Three men wearing gloves and dark clothing walked to Premier Stores on Park Road from the direction of the town centre at around 11.30pm on Sunday.
They threatened the shopkeeper with what was believed to be a pistol or imitation pistol, and used a hand or arm to restrain him around his neck, police said.
A small amount of cash was stolen from the till, along with a small quantity of cigarettes, before the men ran off back towards the town centre.
A Warwickshire Police spokesman said the shopkeeper was treated for shock and minor reddening around the neck by ambulance paramedics at the scene. He suffered no other visible injury.
Officers cordoned off the shop and searched the area using a helicopter and a team of dogs after the incident.
On Friday police descended on Rugby train station amid another gun scare.
Officers responded to a report of passengers carrying what appeared to be replica weapons on board a London Midland train from London Euston to Birmingham New Street at around 11.45am.
A spokesman for British Transport Police said four passengers – two men and two women – were detained at Rugby station. All four are currently helping police with their enquiries.
The spokesman added: “Officers have recovered what are thought to be toys resembling weapons.
“At no point were any members of the public in any danger and there is no cause for alarm. No further details are available at this stage.”
