Wigan shopkeeper in knife-point robbery

Shortly after 10.45pm on Saturday, February 4, police were called to Bickershaw Lane to reports of a burglary.

The owner of the shop was mopping the floor when the offender entered the store carrying a small kitchen knife, which he pointed at the victim.

The victim used the mop to try and push the offender away, but this was unsuccessful. The victim was then forced behind the shop counter and told to fill a yellow plastic bag with cash from the till, which he had to hand to the offender.

The offender then took a packet of cigarettes off the shelf but quickly moved back onto the shop floor, as another man entered the shop.

When the offender tried to walk out of the store, this man grabbed him and they began fighting before falling to the floor. He pinned the offender down, knocking items from the shelves and forcing the bag out of his hand.

After being threatened that the offender knew where he lived, the customer got up and let the offender take the cash and leave the store.

CCTV images have been released of the offender, who is described as a white man, between 5ft 9in- 5ft 11in, of a medium build with a black balaclava.

He was wearing white Reebok Workout Plus trainers, black Addidas tracksuit bottoms with three white stripes running from his waist to knee, as well as a grey hooded top with ‘MCK’ written in bold on the front.

Detective Constable Adam Jones of GMP’s Wigan borough said: “This man threatened a man and his business at knife-point when he was closing up for the night.

“Despite being faced with a weapon, he tried to fend the burglar off with his mop and remained calm throughout the attack.

“The customer who interrupted the scene should be commended for trying to stop the offender from taking the money.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at this time, or who recognise the person in the CCTV image to come forward, you could hold valuable information.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4024, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.