Adil sees off scissor threat yob

ORDEAL . . . Adil Hussain fought off a would-be robber who held scissors to his throat

A BRAVE Oldham newsagent fought off a would-be robber who held a large pair of scissors to his throat.

Adil Hussain was alone in his shop, EMC News on Yorkshire Street, when the masked assailant grabbed him from behind at 7am yesterday.

Mr Hussain said: “I was just making up deliveries for the Chronicle office when the guy put his arm around my neck and with his second hand pulled out a very big pair of scissors and put them against my neck.

“I pulled him away and tried to get it out of his hands.

“I pulled the scissors off him and took him out of the shop and he then ran.”

A taxi driver drove after the man but could not catch him.

But once Mr Hussain alerted the police they made an arrest.

Mr Hussain says the offender did not say anything but at that time of the morning and with no one else around he’s certain he was attempting to steal money.

It is the first attempted robbery he has suffered since taking over the shop nine months ago.

Four years ago, a previous owner was threatened with a gun during an armed robbery.

Mr Hussain escaped physical injury but has been left shaken by the scissor ordeal.

He added: “It was a matter of seconds.

“I’m in shock. Thank God I have not suffered any injury.

“It could have been very serious. It’s left me scared. I don’t want this incident happening again. I actually came to this country from Pakistan for better security.”

A police spokeswoman said: “A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody for questioning. Inquiries are ongoing.”