WANTED: Fresh appeal to find man with Derbyshire links after armed bank robbery

Police have issued a fresh appeal to trace a man with Derbyshire links who is wanted in connection with an armed bank robbery.
Paul Smith.Paul Smith.
Paul Smith.

Detectives investigating the raid at Yorkshire Bank, Parkgate, Rotherham, believe 44-year-old Paul Smith could hold vital information.

The incident occurred at around 8.50am on January 29 when two men are reported to have entered the branch and threatened staff with firearms.

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When the two men left the bank, they are also alleged to have tried to steal vehicles from two separate women.

On the second occasion, a vehicle was taken and was involved in a collision with its owner, a woman who suffered serious injuries.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ashmore of South Yorkshire Police said: “Following an appeal last week to trace Smith, we’ve had a number of calls from the public for which we’re very grateful.

“However, we are yet to locate him and it’s vital we speak to him as we believe he holds crucial information about this robbery.

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“While Smith’s last known address was in Kimberworth, we know he has connections in the West Yorkshire, Humberside, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire areas.

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“If you know where he is, or have seen him recently, please get in touch with us.”

One person has already been charged in connection with the investigation.

Michael Lydon, 51, of Fair View Avenue, Cleethorpes, was charged on Wednesday March 2 with robbery, attempt robbery, firearms offences and dangerous driving.

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He appeared at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday March 31.

Three men, aged 52, 36 and 26, all from the Rotherham area, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.

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Two women aged 39 and 27, from Rotherham, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and bailed pending further enquiries.

TDCI Ashmore continued: “If you do see Smith, do not approach him but call South Yorkshire Police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

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“You can pass information to police in confidence or anonymously via Crimestoppers if you do not wish to provide your details.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 and quoting incident 203 of January 29 2016.

Information can also be emailed to [email protected] or passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.