Walsall shopkeeper speaks out over bottle attack robbery
A shopkeeper today told how he tried to fight off two robbers as they hurled bottles at him and punched him in the face.
The attackers stormed into the WS10 Wines & Beers store in Darlaston yesterday morning and made off with £500 after smashing open the till.
The pair threw bottles at Rajiv Sharma - known by friends and family as Sunny - before he fought back.
Mr Sharma has been left with bruises and cuts to his eyes and nose, and needs an X ray before the extent of the damage is known.
He was recovering at home today but said he hoped to return to work soon.
The 28-year-old, who runs the shop with his father Surinder Kumar, said: "They threw the bottles at me but they completely missed.
"I was trying to defend myself which I did but it was two big blokes and it was them against me so it was difficult. They punched me in the face."
The shop was open as usual today and Mr Kumar said they refused to be intimidated by the attack.
They have run the shop for eight years and have received messages of support from customers since the robbery.
Mr Kumar added: "Sunny was on his own and working alone in the shop when two guys came in. One went round the back aisle and another one went to the drinks area near the till.
"They waited until a lady customer left and then they shut the door behind her. Sunny was at the til, and the man that was at the back of the shop picked up a big bottle of coke and threw it at him while the other one went round the other side of the counter.
"He then picked up a bottle of spirits and threw it at him as well. His nose is bad and his eyes are swollen up. He can't see very well."
Police are investigating the robbery and have launched an appeal for information. They are asking any witnesses to the robbery which happened at about 10.40am at the Darlaston Road shop to call them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
