Police name Midlands Air Ambulance raid suspect

Detectives today named a suspect they want to speak to in connection with an armed robbery at the Midlands Air Ambulance headquarters in Brierley Hill, one year after staff were held hostage in the raid.

Three masked men armed with a taser burst into the charity's base on June 21 last year. Thirteen workers were threatened while the thieves grabbed bags of cash and fled the scene with £12,000 of public donations.

Police today released a photograph of Richard Oliver Gray, aged 30, who comes from the Sandwell area, who they want to speak to about the raid.

He is also wanted in connection with a robbery at Dudley Council's offices in Pear Tree Lane, Coseley, on June 7, 2011.

Det Sgt Jim Munro, from the West Midlands Police major investigation team, said it was believed the robberies may be linked.

"We are determined to keep investigating these robberies and would urge anyone who can help us to come forward," he added.

The charity's chief executive Hanna Sebright said: "A year on and the team still find it hard to comprehend that people could steal money from a life-saving charity. We hope that the three men responsible will be brought to justice soon."

She added: "Those responsible have not stopped the staff, public, volunteers and donors continuing to raise funds, on the contrary, this despicable act has given the team a stronger sense of determination."

The men escaped from the scene in a Peugeot 308, belonging to a member of staff. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Heather Large