Knife raider flees as Ingrow shop owner throws cash at him (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Knife raider flees as Ingrow shop owner throws cash at him

7:00am Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Claire Armstrong, T&A Reporter

A knife-wielding robber who demanded cash at a corner shop got more than he bargained for when the defiant owner drove him off empty-handed by throwing a till tray of loose change at him.

The raider struck on Saturday evening as Ronald King worked alone at Ingrow Bridge Mini Mart in Halifax Road, Keighley.

Mr King said yesterday: “He said he wanted the money, so I gave it to him.”

Mr King only opened his shop for business three weeks ago.

He said the attempted robbery took place at about 7.40pm when the man came in and demanded cash from the till, gesturing that he had a weapon.

Mr King said: “He had something, but I didn’t know what. I said, ‘If I don’t give you the money, what are you going to do?’ “That’s when he showed me the knife.

“I wanted to find out what he had, he could have had a gun.”

Mr King said he then judged the distance he was from the raider and made a split-second decision not to give in to his demands.

He said: “I took the tray out, with the coins in it, and chucked it at him.

“I just chucked the money at him and hoped for the best. You don’t know what to expect.”

Mr King said while he aimed the tray a little too high, and it missed the robber, some of the coins hit him.

He said: “He scarpered and I gave him a minute, then I looked out and I saw him going up the road.”

He then called the police, he said.

Detectives are now appealing for anyone with information, or any witnesses, to come forward.

The suspect is described as a white man aged 18 to 20, of slim build and about 5ft 6ins tall.

He was wearing a dark head covering, a dark coloured coat and a blue backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Mick Ineson at Airedale and North Bradford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.