A SHOPKEEPER turned the tables on a masked raider who attempted to steal his day's takings.

In a split second, Mr Naresh Patel's fear turned to rage when a man wearing a balaclava entered his off-licence in Tennyson Avenue, Bury, on Thursday evening and demanded money from the till.

But the raider quickly turned tail when Mr Patel (41) chased him out of the shop.

The father of two told the Bury Times: "I work very hard all day and I am not going to let someone walk into my shop and take my money so easily.

"I didn't see any weapon and I would have reacted differently if one had been produced. However, my initial shock and fear turned to something else and I just grabbed for the thief.

"He and a second man, who was waiting outside, ran off. I gave chase but I couldn't catch them. I would have kept hold of them until the police arrived if I had."

Police in Bury are now appealing for any witnesses to the attempted robbery which took place as Mr Patel was closing his shop at 9.20pm.

The raider is described as a black male, 5ft 6in of medium build and wearing a blue jacket.

Anyone who can help police with their investigations are asked to contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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