Intruder bashes chemist

Press, 6 May 1983, Page 1

Intruder bashes chemist

A Woodham Road chemist who was closing up his shop last evening was knocked unconscious by an intruder who escaped apparently without taking anything. Detective Sergeant C. T. Dalzell, of the C. 1.8. said that the chemist, Mr Derek Selwyn Leeming, aged 49, was cashing up when he was disturbed by an intruder. The person was wearing a crash helmet and a scarf and threatened Mr Leeming with a firearm. Mr Leeming was probably struck and knocked unconscious, Detective Sergeant Dalzell said. When Mr Leeming regained consciousness he telephoned his wife, who called the police.

Mr Leeming was taken to hospital by ambulance to be treated for facial injuries.

The other chemist who worked from the premises had been called in, Detective Sergeant Dalzell said, and after his inspection of the premises, it was thought that nothing had been taken by the intruder. Anyone who saw a young male in his mid-20s loitering anywhere near 164 Woodham Road between about 9 p.m. and 9.20 p.m. yesterday is asked to get in touch with the C. 1.8. Detective Sergeant Dalzell said he thought the man might possibly have visited other shops in the area. It is thought that only one person was involved.

The police are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a yellow Mazda vehicle in the area about the same time.

Detective' Sergeant Dalzell said it appeared the intruder gained entry to the shop through either the unlocked back or front doors, probably the front door.