Have-a-go hero hurt in armed robbery (From Stroud News and Journal)

Have-a-go hero hurt in armed robbery

TWO men have been arrested after an armed robbery in Minchinhampton during which a 29-year-old man was injured with a meat cleaver.

The have-a-go-hero was taken to hospital after intervening during the robbery at M&B Stores in the village on Monday morning.

A female cashier at the store was left shaken after a man burst into the shop brandishing a meat clever at around 7am.

He threatened the cashier and grabbed packets of cigarettes and cash before making his escape.

A member of the public tried to stop him getting away but was slashed with a small meat cleaver.

He suffered a gash to his finger on his right hand.

The picturesque town was left stunned after the incident and staff yesterday said they were too upset to talk about what happened.

Sgt Garrett Gloyn of Stroud police said: "A man went into the store, threatened the lady on the till with a knife and got away with a quantity of cash.

"He was confronted by a member of the public outside the store and he assaulted him.

"He gave him a deep cut to his right hand. The victim, a local man, required treatment at Frenchay Hospital."

Sgt Gloyn said the cashier was sent home suffering from shock.

The attacker, described as a white, 6ft, heavily built male, was last seen walking down Friday Street in the village where a getaway car was believed to be waiting.

Police said the offender, who was wearing blue jeans, a blue zip-up top and a baseball cap, was caught on the town's CCTV system.

They later arrested two Cirencester men, aged 30 and 31, on suspicion of robbery and they were still being questioned by detectives at Stroud police station yesterday.

The raid is being linked to another attempted robbery at a home in Church Street, Cirencester in which the 60-year-old homeowner was struck in the face. This attack took place just after midnight on April 11.

A large silver saloon car was spotted in the vicinity of both incidents.

Anyone who has information on the robbery can call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234, quoting incident number 64 of April 11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.