Appeal for information launched following two linked robberies in Ilkeston

We are appealing for information following two robberies in Ilkeston that officers believe are linked.

The first incident happened when the victim was approached by a man as he walked past a block of flats in Chalons Way at about 10.05pm on Sunday 31 May.

The suspect has pushed the victim towards a wall and demanded he hand over some money whilst jabbing him to the arm and ribs with a screwdriver.

The victim, a 21-year-old man, sustained a minor injury to his arm and managed to get away and call police.

A short while later, a man got off a bus and was walking next to the cycle path in Ebenezer Street, Cotmanhay, when he was attacked by an unknown man.

The suspect hit the 67-year-old victim on the head with two half bricks and demanded he hand over either money or alcohol.

A bottle of vodka was stolen during the incident, which happened at 10.52pm.

The victim went to hospital to be treated for cuts and bruises.

Shortly after the incident a car drove past and the victim tried to wave the vehicle to stop.

We are appealing for the driver of this vehicle to please come forward.   

The suspect in the Chalons Way incident is described as a white man, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, with an average to stocky build and a ginger stubbly beard.

He was wearing a black hooded jacket and black jogging bottoms.

The suspect in the Ebenezer Street incident is described as a man who was about 5ft 9ins tall, with wrist tattoos and with no beard.

He was dressed all in black, which included a hoodie that was zipped up halfway, and spoke with a local accent.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area following the incidents.

Officers have made extensive enquiries into the incidents and believe they are linked.

We are now appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell or dash cam footage which covers the area and has not already spoken to officers.

Information can be passed to us using one of the methods below and please quote reference number 26*315558 for the Chalons Way incident, or 26*315657 for the Ebenezer Street incident.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/