Stretford shopkeeper foils armed robbery (From Messenger Newspapers)

Stretford shopkeeper foils armed robbery

9:43am Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

POLICE have described a Stretford shopkeeper as brave and courageous after he foiled an attempted armed robbery.

A robber brandishing a hammer entered Nansen Newsagents on Thomas Street at around 6.50pm on January 21 and attempted to steal cash and a computer.

After producing the weapon that was hidden under his jacket, the offender ordered the 24-year-old shopkeeper to empty the till and handover a laptop.

However, the newsagent refused and instead tried to wrestle the hammer out of the robber’s grip.

Following the struggle, the offender fell backwards into a shelving unit and panicking, ran off empty-handed.

The would-be-robber is described as black, about 5ft 6in tall, of an average build and wearing a black jacket and a black hat and scarf to cover his face.

Det Con David Wood said: "The shopkeeper reacted with courage and real spirit when confronted by this man who was wielding a hammer.

“I'm sure the offender himself was taken aback that his victim did not simply roll over and comply but instead had the guts to fight back.

"However, although this man did not steal anything the intent was clearly there, as was the intent to cause as much fear as possible by brandishing a hammer. We therefore need to find this man.

"I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the robbery itself, or has information about the moments leading up to or after the incident to come forward.

"Did you see someone hanging around the store at the time of the robbery? Did you see this man fleeing?

"If you do have information please call us and help us find not only the man who did this but also secure justice for his victim."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7778 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.