Armed robbery at Windsor Castle

Police are hunting three armed men who stole cash from a shop within the grounds of Windsor Castle, Scotland Yard said today.

The balaclava-clad robbers threatened four staff with a handgun at the Windsor Royal Farm Shop in Datchet Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire, before escaping in a silver BMW.

The raid took place at about 7am as staff were opening up for business.
The shop is within the castle grounds but is in a public area.

"The secure area of the castle and grounds were not breached," a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad are now appealing for witnesses.

DCI Kevin Desmond from Barnes Flying Squad, part of the Met's Specialist Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation.

Anyone who saw the robbery or can help establish the movements of the BMW car, both before and after the attack, are being urged to come forward.

Any suspicious sightings of a similar vehicle in the vicinity of the Farm Shop over recent days, or indeed any information, should also be reported.

The Farm Shop, which is sited on the edge of the Home Park, has been created by converting some Victorian potting sheds.

The Windsor Farm Shop sells a range of products from the Royal Farms and small local specialist suppliers, including beef from traditional British breeds, lamb, pork, poultry and game in season from the Royal Estates.

It also sells apples and apple juice from Sandringham, jams, preserves and sauces, locally produced wines and ales and plants from the Royal Gardens.

Other products include milk, yoghurt, cream and ice cream from the Royal Dairy, plus bread and cakes baked locally.

A coffee shop stands next to the farm shop.