[19 JAN 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
City Newsagent Slashed In Shop Attack

A Coventry newsagent was cut with a double-bladed knife as he tried to fend off robbers who attacked his store yesterday.

The 38-year-old was closing Clair Newsagents in Longfellow Road, Wyken when two masked raiders burst into the store.

One had a metal bar and the other had a double-bladed knife.

The knife was raised to the victim’s throat as the offenders demanded money, but the newsagent put his hands up in self-defence and was cut.

A struggle broke out and the attackers seemed to panic and fled empty-handed.

DC Nail Corrigan, who is investigating the incident, said the attack could have had far more serious consequences.

He said:

"These offenders showed no hesitation in using a weapon to threatened the victim and it’s thankful that he did not suffer more serious injuries.

“We need to trace these men and appeal for witnesses to come forward.”

Both men are white and in their early to mid-20s. One was about 6ft, the other 5ft 10ins, and both wore dark clothing, hats and gloves and had scarves that covered most of their face.

The victim suffered minor cuts to a hand and was badly shaken by the ordeal. Witnesses should ring 024 7653 9040.