PCSO threatened by gunman in Stoke Newington

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after an incident in Stoke Newington where a Police Community Support Officer was threatened with a firearm.

At around 4.10pm on Wednesday 4 August, the PCSO was on routine patrol on his bicycle in Bethune Road N16, near the entrance to Allen Gardens and opposite the junction with St Kilda’s Road. He was approached by another cyclist in Bethune Road, who told him that there was a black man stood in the middle of the road nearby, wearing a balaclava. The man then cycled away.

The PCSO approached the black man, who produced a firearm and threatened him before running off. The unarmed PCSO gave chase through Allen Gardens but lost sight of the suspect.

The suspect is described as being in his mid-20s, 6ft tall and of athletic build. He was wearing a black woollen balaclava, a plain black hooded top, black jeans, black Lacoste trainers and thin black leather gloves.

Police are also keen to speak to the cyclist who approached the PCSO. He is white, about 35 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, of slim to athletic build, with short black hair. He was wearing a blue jacket and black trousers and rode a silver men’s mountain bike.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Rhodri Gardner at Hackney Police on 020 7275 3640 / 48; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.witnesse