Lakenham newsagent tells of hammer robbery

A city newsagent has told how he was injured after fighting off a hammer-wielding robber.

The worker at Stuart's Newsagents on the corner of Hall Road and Trafalgar Street, Lakenham, took a blow to his head during the evening robbery.

However, he managed to grapple the weapon off his assailant and chase him out of the store following the attack at 9.20pm on Sunday.

The victim, who asked not to be identified, said the man had come into the shop and asked for the owner and for the best deal for beer.

The man then became agitated, walking backwards and forwards, before punching the owner of the shop.

The worker said: 'The guy then pushed him and said: 'Why are you looking at me?'

'Then he came this side of the counter and took a big hammer and asked: 'Where's the money? Give me money'.

'He hit me and I took the hammer and he ran out of the shop.'

The robber broke the till and stole some packets of cigarettes, but did not get away with any money.

The worker was checked over by paramedics, but said he was now feeling fine, apart from having a painful bump on his head.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or has information about it.

Anyone with information should contact DC Keith Linstead at Norwich CID on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.