Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis calls for tougher action after 'wicked' knife attack on Co-op shop worker

Dan Jarvis, the MP for Barnsley Central, has spoken out after the worker was attacked during the robbery on Monday, July 20 at the Keresforth Hall Road Food Store, in Barnsley.

The MP has supported a campaign for shop workers to receive better legal protection.

The injured worker is recovering at home and South Yorkshire Police has launched a manhunt for the person they believe to be responsible.

Mr Jarvis said: “I am shocked and appalled by the horrendous attack on a shop worker at the Keresforth Hall Road Co-op. My thoughts are with them and their family and I wish them a speedy and full recovery.

“I would urge anyone with any information to contact 101 quoting incident number 922 of 20 July 2020.

"Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. It is imperative that the perpetrator is apprehended as quickly as possible and punished for this wicked crime.

“No-one should face threats, abuse or intimidation as they go about their job. I have long campaigned on this vitally important issue, including putting forward an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill in 2014 on tackling abuse against retail workers.

"I’m proud to endorse the campaign by Central England Co-op for zero-tolerance of violence and abuse against retail workers.”

This latest incident coincides with Central England Co-op campaigning for the Government to change legislation so shop workers are afforded greater protection in carrying out their duties.

It also said it has a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to any kind of crime against its colleagues or customers.

Since the lockdown was introduced, there have been more than 100 incidents related directly to people using COVID-19 as a threat.

Detective Inspector Tom Woodward, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “I’d like to offer my reassurance to the local community at this time. Our investigation is continuing at pace and we are exploring a number of lines of enquiry to locate the offender.

“We’d like to encourage the public to come forward if they have any information which might help us in our enquiries.

“If you have any information, please contact us.”

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