POLICE are investigating an armed robbery which occurred on Friday at Number 69 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne, by two armed men.

According to information, at around 12:23 hours, the men, both armed with handguns, entered the shop located at Viking Cricket Ground Street and held a 23-year-old woman at gunpoint.

The police, in a statement, revealed that the 23-year-old woman is the daughter of the businesswoman who owns the shop. The young lady was sitting in the shop when the men entered but she managed to escape by running onto a nearby street.

The robbers then proceeded to enter the house where they held the 46-year-old businesswoman and a 29-year-old businessman at gunpoint while demanding cash and valuables. The bandits then carted off with $200,000 in cash, one gold bangle and a pair of gold earrings.

As the suspects continued to demand more cash, one of them dealt the businesswoman several lashes on both of her hands with a gun before making good their escape on foot.

The police were summoned to the scene and the businesswoman was escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital where she was seen by a doctor on duty, treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, a neighbour who was painting his house recalled hearing screams and upon investigation he noticed the men “dashing out” from the shop and towards him. The robbers ran pass him, with one of them pointing a gun in his direction, warning him to stay inside his house.

“They say stay … inside and they rush up the street and towards the back. I never expect to see a robbery in this street in broad daylight. Two nights ago my neighbour notice two men try to break in but they didn’t get to go in. These men were watching them and looking for the right time,” the neighbour said.

Police are investigating the robbery.