POLICE hunting a gunman who has terrorised people in the New Forest were returning to the scene of his first crime this morning in a bid to catch him.
Detectives were beaming an artist’s impression of the suspect who pulled off two armed robberies last month on to the walls and floors of Brockenhurst railway station.
They were also playing a recording of the suspect captured in the background of a 999 call made by his second victims – a husband and wife who were targeted in their own home in Lymington.
Police were hoping to jog the memories of commuters who regularly use the station about the first robbery, which occurred in the station’s south car park between 6.30am and 7.45am on Wednesday, December 5.
As reported by the Daily Echo, the robber confronted a man as he got out of his Porsche 911 Carrera and threatened him at gunpoint, making him get back into his car.
He then forced the 65-year-old to drive, stop at the HSBC bank in Brockenhurst and withdraw a sum of money.
The gunman then dumped his victim in the middle of the New Forest before abandoning the car in Sway Road.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Murray who is leading the investigation said: “It is five weeks since the robber struck for the first time.
“Despite extensive media coverage, many members of the public remain unaware about these offences and our pro-active work today will enable us to bring it to the attention of those who regularly use the station.
“Our visit today also coincides with the five-week anniversary and is possibly the first time that many commuters will be making their regular journey due to the Christmas and New Year break.
“We hope that by speaking to them today, we will be able to gather information that will assist us in identifying the offender and bring him to justice.”
Four men have been arrested so far in connection with the investigation.
A 48-year-old man from Lymington and a 44-year-old New Milton man were released on police bail until February.
A 44-year-old from Lymington was also arrested but later released without charge.
Keith Michael Laidler, of Bramtoco Way, Totton, was the fourth man arrested and was released on bail until February.
A £5,000 reward has been offered by the charity Crimestoppers in a bid to track down the gunman.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Prenton team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
For all the latest news, background and videos in the hunt for the New Forest gunman click here
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