Shop staff use bottle to fight off knife thugs
THIS is the moment two thugs tried to rob a convenience store in Leigh before being confronted and chased away by two brave shopworkers.
CCTV footage shows two masked men wielding large blades entering the Best Local shop on Firs Lane, before demanding cash from staff behind the counter.
Assuming the pair were joking, one of the staff laughed, but was shocked when the offender jumped over the counter and swung the knife at his head.
The other member of staff grabbed a bottle of wine and threw it at the offenders, before they both chased the offending pair out of the shop.
The two men, who were wearing balaclavas, fled from the scene empty handed in a Fiat Punto.
Police have released the CCTV footage in a bid to catch the offenders.
The incident happened at around 11pm on Saturday, April 7.
The shopworkers have been praised by police for standing up to the men.
DC Chris Waddicar, of GMP’s Wigan borough, said: “The quick-thinking of the staff meant the two offenders left empty handed, with nothing but the knives they entered the shop with.
“We have released CCTV footage in the hope that someone can help our investigative team to identify who these two men are.
“As our enquiries continue, it’s really important that we hear from people who may have seen the Fiat before or after the incident, or have information that could help our investigation.”
A Cheshire Police spokesman confirmed: “At around 11pm on Saturday 7 April 2018, police were called to reports of an attempted robbery at a Best Local shop on Firs Lane.
“Two men wearing balaclavas had entered the shop carrying large knives, and demanded money from staff inside. Thinking they were joking, one of the staff laughed, but was shocked when the offender jumped over the counter and swung the knife at his head.
“The other member of staff grabbed a bottle of wine and threw it at the offenders, before the staff chased the offending pair out of the shop. They fled from the scene in a Fiat Punto.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7292 quoting incident number 2428 of 07/04/18. Reports can also be made anonymously.