Tesco Express: Business owners scared after ‘armed robbery’

The incident occurred at the Tesco Express shop in Millbrook Square in Grove at around 6:30am on Monday, April 15. 

Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene and remained there throughout the day as a cordon was set up around the supermarket.

Forensics were inside the store as two officers stood guard at the tape while one police car could be seen in the car park.

The incident occurred at around 6.30am on Monday. (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Forensics and police descend on supermarket after ‘incident’ inside

Several nearby businesses alleged that an armed robbery had been the cause of the shop closure and police presence.

Among those spoken to by the Oxford Mail, Parsons Bakery and Acacia both suggested an armed robbery had occurred earlier at the Tesco Express.

Ajit, the owner of Smith’s DIY shop, was not in his shop when the incident happened but was informed by others about what had occurred.

“I don’t feel safe, we feel scared and this has happened so many times, maybe four or five,” he said. 

“There have been robberies or people chasing each other in the area.

“This is the first time I have heard that it involved a gun, though as I heard it was a shotgun.”

The owners of Smith's DIY were left shaken by the incident. (Image: Newsquest)

The shop owner and his wife were left shaken by the incident occurring so close to their business but back the police to deal with the matter.

“It does not make us feel okay knowing that guns are around here, but the police are doing their job,” added Ajit.

“If something happens, we know they will come.”

Police at the scene confirmed that no one was hurt during the incident, but could give no further details on what had happened.

“Hoping to have it reopen after a couple of hours,” said the officer at the cordon.

“No one had been hurt, no one has been injured.

“We can’t disclose any information but forensics are inside.”

There was one police car at the site on Monday afternoon. (Image: Newsquest)

Following the incident on Monday morning, Thames Valley Police have confirmed that an investigation is now underway.

A spokesperson for the force said Monday morning: “We are aware of an incident which took place at around 6:30am this morning at Tesco Express, Millbrook Square, Grove.

“Officers attended the scene and an investigation is underway.

“Clearly, we are in the very early stages of an investigation, and it would be wrong and unhelpful to speculate as to the exact circumstances of this incident at this point.

“We believe this incident does not pose any further risk to the community or members of the public.”

A police spokesperson said no arrests had been made by police late Monday afternoon (April 15). 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 43240171407.

A Tesco spokesperson issued a statement late Monday afternoon, which said: “Our Grove Express store is currently closed whilst we help police with their enquiries following an incident on this morning (Monday 15th April).

"We will reopen the store as soon as possible and would like to apologise for the inconvenience.”