Armed Raid On Somali Cafe
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London , UK , Nov 29 2005 (South London Press) – CAFÉ customers were held at gunpoint in a terrifying raid.
Masked mobsters burst into a bustling Somali haunt at midnight on Friday wielding pistols.
Terrified staff and customers dived for cover as one raider blasted a warning shot into the air.
Victims were then ordered to lie on the floor while gang members robbed them of cash and personal items.
The mob - described as four or five black men with their faces hidden by scarves or masks - then fled the raid on the Friendship Meeting House, Arnside Street , Walworth. As many as 11 members of staff and customers, who had been sipping coffees and socializing moments earlier, were said to be shaken but unharmed.
The cafe is a popular haunt for South London 's Somali community.
Detectives from Operation Trident - the Met's specialist black-on-black gun crime unit - have launched a hunt.
They urged witnesses to come forward. Detective Constable Steve Robinson said: "The victims were going about their law-abiding business when the gang struck.
"We want to speak to anyone who saw what happened or was in the area on the time and saw anything suspicious."
Information to DC Robinson on 020 8785 8580 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: South London Press, Nov. 29, 2005
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