Shopkeeper tells of fury at robber

A BRAVE shopkeeper spoke of his fury today after a raider brandishing a knife and handgun held up his Ipswich store.

Colin Richardson, who runs Estate Stores, in Greenfinch Avenue, was approached by a balaclava-clad man at about 7.15am.

The attacker approached him and tapped him on the shoulder.

Mr Richardson, who was standing behind the counter, swore at the attacker who turned and ran. As he fled on foot Mr Richardson threw a charity box at his back.

Mr Richardson, 40, said: "My attitude is it's my money and I have worked for it. Some scumbag isn't going to take it off me I acted without thinking.

"He had a gun in his right hand which I didn't realise he had until he was going out of the door. He was only in the shop for ten seconds."

Mr Richardson had opened the shop as usual, at 6am and was reading a magazine behind the counter when approached.

He said: "I didn't realise what he was saying. As I looked up I saw a balaclava and the man's eyes and mouth. Then I twigged what he had said. He had told me to get away from the till. I stepped back, swore at him and picked up the charity box, which was very full, and chucked it at him. It hit him in the back as he ran out of the door."

Although Mr Richardson initially gave chase, he went back inside the store to dial 999. When he went outside the attacker had disappeared.

It is not known whether the gun was real although the incident has been captured on high quality, digital close circuit television.

Pat Cook, who works at the store, said the incident has unsettled her.

She said: "We've been broken into but we've never been held up before. We are now on tenterhooks and it is worrying."

Scenes of crime officers have also carried out detailed investigations as they bid to search for clues in the manhunt.

The attacker is described as about six foot and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.