St George shopkeeper fights off robbers who claimed to be armed

A SHOPKEEPER chased robbers out of a St George convenience store after they claimed to be armed.

Avon and Somerset police say two men entered a convenience store in Hudds Hill Road at about 7.30pm on Sunday and one of them asked for a packet of cigarettes.

He then refused to pay for them, saying he had a gun and gesturing to his pocket.

Police say no weapon was seen or fired.

A police spokesperson said: “The victim called the police and struck one of the men over the head, at which point the two men fled the shop.

“The pair tried to get into a car pulling up outside, which had a third man behind the wheel. But because the victim had pursued them, the two men fled on foot along Hudds Hill Road.”

The shopkeeper described the men as white, with at least two having Irish accents, while the car was a new-looking black hatchback.

Police are examining CCTV footage in the area but have appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time and thinks they saw the men to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5220 050 594.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.