Local ice-cream seller was left terrified when a robber smashed into his van with a crowbar and stole £500.
Giuseppe Prizio, who has sold ice cream in Nottingham for 48 years, was handing over two 99 ice-cream cones out of his window in Bramcote Hills Park as the glass shattered behind him.
The 65-year-old, of Mapperley, said he thought there was about £500 – a week’s takings – in the cash box of his van when the robbery took place on Wednesday.
Video: Mr Prizio describes the moment his ice-cream van was robbed.
Mr Prizio waited at Bramcote Hills Park for the police to arrive. During this time customers showed a great level of support by offering to buy refreshments.
“One of them gave me ten pounds to go and have a drink. They stayed with me until the police left,” he said.
The seller who has been going to the park for at least 20 years said; “Ive never had a problem like this. Nothing like this has ever happened to me like this before.”
Nottinghamshire Police is now appealing for witnesses. The thief was dressed in all black with a black hat and a black jacket. The offence took place at around 4.40pm.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is being asked to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
