Plucky Pensioner Fights Off Armed Robbers

AN ELDERLY social club barman has fought off a gang of three robbers armed with sticks in a brave show of defiance in Heywood.

"Three men armed with sticks were no match for his strength of character, which did not waver even when they pulled him to the ground and started to assault him."

The 71-year-old man was confronted by the balaclava-wearing gang at around 12.15am on Sunday 7 September 2014 at the Heap Bridge Working Men's Club on Waterfold Lane, Heywood.

The robbers demanded money and threatened the man with their clubs, but instead of handing the takings over, the barman picked up a nearby tray of glasses and launched them at the gang.

The robbers then rushed the victim, dragging him to the floor, kicking him repeatedly and demanding that he opened the safe.

The pensioner remained defiant, and when he refused again, the men ran off empty-handed.

Police are now appealing for witnesses.

The man threw glasses at the robbers

Detective Sergeant Tony Dixon said: "I must first praise the bravery that this man showed to fight off the attackers and make sure they left empty handed.

"Three men armed with sticks were no match for his strength of character, which did not waver even when they pulled him to the ground and started to assault him.

"It also shows the cowardice of these offenders, who were forced to run away with nothing after he stood up to them.

"We need people who may have seen these men in the area at the time to come forward and contact us on the numbers below."

The first offender is described as 6ft tall, medium build, with a local accent. He was wearing khaki-coloured clothing and a balaclava. The second man is 5ft 8in tall, slim build and was wearing a balaclava. The third offender is 5ft 6in tall and was wearing a balaclava.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.