A Wigan shopkeeper, 67, has shown ‘tremendous bravery’ and fought off a thug who threatened her with a 12-inch knife while demanding cash.
The blade-wielding thief, who initially appeared to be a genuine customer, came into the Wilkinson Newsagents, on Ormskirk Road, at around 2:40pm on August 8.
He picked up a chocolate bar and two packets of crisps and put them on the counter but when the other customers left, he followed the member of staff behind the till and produced the 12-inch knife.
The offender pointed the knife at the shop assistant, holding it close to her and demanding cash.
The shop assistant bravely managed to push the thug’s arm away so the knife was not pointing at her, at which point the thief grabbed a very small amount of cash on the counter and fled.
Detective Constable Rachel Forsythe said: “This woman showed a tremendous amount of bravery and fortitude to try and fight off the intruder.
“Thankfully, she was not physically injured during the incident although clearly she was left extremely traumatised by what she had suffered at this man’s hands.”
The thief is described as being white, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, in his late 20s, of a medium build and with short dark hair.
He was wearing black trainers and a grey Adidas tracksuit top with the hood pulled up and tracksuit trousers with black stripes down the sides.
Police have released a CCTV image and are appealing for anyone who saw anything or who may know this man to come forward or call them.
DC Forsythe said: “We have issued a CCTV still of the offender and I would appeal to anyone who recognises him or has information about who he is or what happened to come forward and contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
