A gun-toting teenager reportedly tried to rob a newsagent’s in Stoneleigh this afternoon then fled, removing his clothes.

Police cordoned off Best One near Stoneleigh railway station after reports of an armed robbery just after 2pm today (Thursday, August 10).

It is believed that staff challenged the would-be robber – described as a boy aged between 16 and 17 years old carrying a hand gun – and that nothing was taken during the hold-up.

The boy then ran off along Stoneleigh Park Road towards the railway station, a police spokeswoman stated. He is believed to have removed some of his clothes as he fled.

The suspect is described as white, with light-coloured hair, wearing a black gilet, black gloves, a black and orange hat, and a red hoodie.

Pictures sent into the Epsom Guardian this afternoon show police officers guarding the shop.

Mortgage consultant Adam Scott told the newspaper that Best One had been held up “with a gun” – a claim echoed by a beautician at Crimps Hair & Beauty.

Your Local Guardian:
Pic credit: Over the Moon Tattoos

Albert, a tattoo artist at Over the Moon Tattoos on the corner with Kingston Road, and Gill Lloyd, an assistant at The Gallery hair salon, confirmed a police presence in Stoneleigh Park Road.

Surrey Police confirmed there would be an increased police presence in the area after the attempted robbery.

The force has since launched an appeal for information about the attempted robbery, and also urged residents to contact them if they see any discarded items of clothing.

There has been no suggestion that anyone has been injured.

To offer information, call Surrey Police on 101 – or 999 in an emergency – quoting reference number P17202280.

To offer information anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Are you in the area? Get in touch at craig.richard@newsquest.co.uk