A Sainsbury’s forecourt appears to have been the fourth victim of an armed robber preying on retailers in North Lincolnshire.

The latest robbery occurred at 9.47 pm on Sunday 8 December at the Sainsbury’s Petrol Station on Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe. The man was wearing a ‘Chucky’ style mask, an Adidas tracksuit and was in possession of a firearm and a Lidl carrier bag.

He approached the cashier and told her to handover cash which she did. He then ran away and was chased by a member of the public along Doncaster Road.

Police are linking the robbery to similar incidents at two independent stores and a newsagent in Scunthorpe, the first of which was on October 16.

Detective Inspector James Fairgrieve, who is leading the investigation said: “There are people out there who know who this person is and I am now asking those people to please come forward and speak to police as a matter of urgency.

“The man in the ‘Chucky’ mask has been targeting a number of commercial properties in North Lincolnshire and police are carrying out thorough investigations to identify him. However we need the help of the public to please provide us with as much information as possible. I know people know who he is and we want this man taking off the streets and brought to justice.

“The man has got away with cash from a number of the stores and thankfully nobody was injured. I want to reassure the public that police are doing all they can to identify this man and we will not stop until he is arrested and brought into police custody. This man is jeopardising the livelihood of a number of people in North Lincolnshire and we take offences such as these very seriously.

“This man is wearing a distinctive Adidas tracksuit and people may have seen him prior to him covering his face by putting on the mask and entering each of the premises. He also spoke with a foreign accent. If you were in the vicinity of any of the locations, saw somebody acting suspiciously or know who the man behind the mask is, then please call. The important thing is that this man is caught and we need your help to assist with this.”

Anyone who may have information in connection with any of these offences is asked to call Humberside Police as a matter of urgency on 101 and quote LOG 687 of 08 December or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.