A terrified binman told today how an angry shopkeeper allegedly stuck a gun in his face in a row over rubbish collection.

Brian Binney, 35, claimed he was threatened with a gun and Stanley knife after he refused to remove the trader's commercial waste.

The terrifying encounter was the final straw in a row between Council binmen and the trader over the removal of his shop's waste.

It is supposed to be collected separately from domestic rubbish but the trader allegedly demanded it be taken with the household rubbish.

Today Mr Binney, pictured, of Eccleshill, said he feared for his safety and that of colleagues following the incident in the Little Horton Lane area.

He said: "For the last two weeks we told the man that commercial rubbish was not our responsibility.

"He appeared in a 4x4 vehicle and got out shouting and swearing at me, demanding we remove his rubbish.

"He asked me to get out of the wagon and in hindsight that was silly. When I got out he ran back to his car and came back with a Stanley knife in one hand and a gun in the other. He was pointing the gun in my face.

"I told him to put the gun away before people got hurt. He then got back into his car and drove off."

Mr Binney said the incident had left him terrified. "We're not here to be abused by members of the public," he added.

Mr Binney has since had to work with inspectors by his side to offer some protection.

Police today confirmed they were investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "We understand the alarming distress that must have been caused to the complainant and inquiries are ongoing."

Richard Wixley, Environ-mental Protection and Waste Management Director, said: "Following this incident we are giving every support to the worker involved and at the same time we are liaising closely with the police."

The Council confirmed commercial waste was removed separately from domestic rubbish because it is a chargeable service.

Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.