TWO young men have been charged with robbery following an attack on an elderly man in Crediton.

Chorley Laxton (18), from Salmonhutch, Crediton, and another boy, 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested on Monday, September 24 and were this morning (Wednesday, September 26) charged with an offence of robbery that occurred on Friday, September 21, just off Crediton High Street.

Police in Crediton launched an investigation following the street robbery which took place between 7.45pm and 8pm on September 21, in the alleyway of Francis Court off Crediton High Street.

The victim, a local man in his 70’s, had visited the Lloyds Bank cashpoint and was soon approached by two young males who took his wallet containing £140, and pushed him to the ground before fleeing the area.

A police spokesperson told the “Crediton Courier” on Tuesday that two people had been arrested on suspicion of the street robbery and were in police custody at Exeter’s Heavitree Road Police Station.

He explained: “The victim although unharmed, has been shaken up by this event.

“He is being supported by local officers who have recently visited him and have taken him food and provisions.”

Police officers were reviewing CCTV and issued an appeal for anyone who may have information that could aid the investigation to call 101 or email: [email protected] , quoting crime reference CR/087098/18.

Supt Matt Lawler, the Police Commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon, told the “Courier”: “Officers are continuing to support the victim who although physically unharmed was understandably shaken by what happened.

“He has been personally updated and indeed came into the police station yesterday to assist with the investigation. 

“This is obviously a very rare event for Crediton, and following some really determined work by Mid Devon CID, two males who were arrested on Monday afternoon have now been charged with robbery.  They will appear in court later this morning. 

“One of the males is sought by another Force for allegations outside of Devon and Cornwall, which will be progressed after the court proceedings today.”

Local officers said they would like to reassure the Crediton community that incidents of this nature are very rare and Devon and Cornwall is one of the safest areas of the country to live.

They added thanks to the many local businesses that assisted their investigations.