Co-op manager hits out at criminal who stabbed staff member during robbery at Barnsley store

The manager of a Co-op whose store was targeted by a knife-wielding robber has hit back, saying "we will not tolerate" any abuse or violence faced by staff.
By Susie Beever
Published 23rd Jul 2020, 12:05 BST
Updated 23rd Jul 2020, 12:09 BST

A male staff member was stabbed in the attack on the Co-op branch at Keresforth Hall Road in Barnsley on Monday, and is currently expecting to return to work next week.

South Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the robbery and has launched a manhunt for the person responsible.

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The store's manager Will Etherington has now issued a statement, hitting out at all forms of abuse, threats and in this case, violence, which he said were face by staff "on a daily basis".

Co-op store at Keresforth Hall Road in Barnsley, where a staff member was slashed with a knife during a robbery.Co-op store at Keresforth Hall Road in Barnsley, where a staff member was slashed with a knife during a robbery.
Co-op store at Keresforth Hall Road in Barnsley, where a staff member was slashed with a knife during a robbery.

Mr Etherington said: “Abuse cannot and will not be tolerated. These colleagues are at the heart of our communities and are mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters.

“They come to work because they enjoy the job and they do not deserve to feel threatened or abused on a daily basis.

“I'm working hard with the team to make sure our store is a safe, calm and comfortable environment for community.”

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The company is currently campaigning for better protection for staff who regularly face abuse and intimidation from members of the public.

South Yorkshire Police are continuing to search for the robber. Picture: AdobeSouth Yorkshire Police are continuing to search for the robber. Picture: Adobe
South Yorkshire Police are continuing to search for the robber. Picture: Adobe

Mr Etherington added: “The colleague is doing really well, the support he has had from the business and colleagues alike has been second to none.

“He is currently at home resting, with the hope of returning next week. He will also be given the necessary help he needs on his return.

“I would just like to thank everybody that helped us during this difficult time. The support network has been fantastic.”

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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. Were you in the area at the time? Do you recognise the man in the CCTV image or his clothing? If you have any information, please contact us."