Shy hero thwarts armed robbers

A BRAVE shopkeeper has been praised by police after he thwarted armed raiders who stormed into aFailsworth off-licence.

He refused to hand over cash when he was threatened by the masked men who were wielding a knife at the Best One, in Westminster Road at 10.15am.

Instead, they fled empty handed when he pressed the emergency button to alert the police.

The modest hero, who did not want to be named, did not want to talk about the terrifying incident to the Chronicle and insisted that he did not do anything.

But Police Constable Nayna Parmar of Oldham CID said: “Thankfully, the shopkeeper was brave and alert enough to press the panic button, which stopped these men in their tracks and stopped them from getting their hands on any cash.

“However, their intentions were clear and we need to find these men before they strike again. I would appeal for anyone who has information to come forward.”

The raid happened on June 16 when the robbers, who were wearing dark clothes, burst into the off- licence and shop which is popular with pupils from near-by schools.

One of the men — who was carrying a knife — stood in the doorway while his accomplice went to the counter and demanded that the till was opened.

They ran off when they realised the shopkeeper had raised the alarm.

Anyone with information is urged to call Oldham CID on 0161 856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.