This is the moment a shopkeeper used a mop to fight off an armed robber – suspected of targeting a string of shops.
CCTV footage has been released by police of man thought to be responsible for seven robberies in Derby and Ilkeston over the past five weeks.
Police say the suspect was armed with a knife in each incident and stole significant amounts of money but had not harmed anyone.
The first three robberies happened on October 5 in Derby between 6pm and 9.32pm, Derbyshire Police confirmed.
A clip shows the man entering a convenience store wearing a bright orange hoodie, before he grabs the cash register and throws it on the floor.
The same man was captured walking into another convenience store in Derby on October 14.
He is seen striding up an aisle before an alarm sounds. The suspect then runs out the shop holding his knife before being followed by another man in grey clothing.
A further two incidents took place this week in Derby involving the same suspect wearing dark clothing with a navy hood.
Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for anyone who can provide information that significantly assists in the investigation.
Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill said: ‘These offences have understandably caused concern and a team of detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry in an effort to bring the man responsible to justice.
‘I know there are people in the community who know who this man is – and they know that the right thing to do is to come forward.
‘We have thankfully seen nobody physically hurt in the incidents so far, but any person who is willing to arm themselves with a knife is putting our community at serious risk.
‘We are increasing both our uniformed and plain clothes patrols in the city – as well as armed response officers including potential targets as part of their patrol strategies.
‘I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward as soon as possible.’
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Derbyshire Police quoting reference 24000595055 or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.