Brave shopkeeper foils attack

Michael Kimpton, 55, who runs the Top Shop convenience store in Hillside Avenue, was filling a fridge with soft drinks when two youths entered.

While his back was turned one leapt on him, knocking him forward so his head struck the fridge door.

But he bravely foiled his attacker by throwing him off, sending him tumbling into the sweet counter.

He was left shocked and suffering a slight head graze following the terrifying ordeal.

Mr Kimpton, who has run his shop for eight years, said: 'One came and stood by the till and the other jumped on my back. I went down on one knee and swung back. He came off and crashed into the plastic boxes for the penny sweets.'

Initially, he thought the attack was just horseplay, but then felt the arm around his neck. 'At first I thought it was just someone playing about but then he put me in a strangle hold around the neck. I thought I have got to get him off quick. It was all over in about 20 seconds.'

As the pair fled one shouted, 'Grab it'. However, nothing was stolen.

A woman shopper who saw the pair make off said they were in their early teens. One wore a black jacket and a grey hat.

The robbers were also seen peering through the shop window prior to the attack.

Readers who saw anyone behaving suspiciously in the area, at around 6.30pm on Wednesday last week can call police on 0845 6070999.