Masked gang halted

A have-a-go hero foiled a masked gang by bashing one over the head with an acoustic guitar.

Zubair Ali (23) has been awarded £500 and a certificate in recognition of his bravery, which led to an Oldham man being sent to prison for seven years.

A student in business studies, Mr Ali went to the aid of his parents by launching a counter attack after five masked men had burst into their home, next to the family-run Shazan restaurant in Clayton-le-Dale.

The intruders ended up so desperate to escape that they smashed a window to get out.

Rupon Miah (21), of Neath Street, Westwood, Oldham, was traced and later charged with the aggravated burglary.

He was identified when police recovered his DNA from a scarf. The raid took place in July, last year.