Brownhills shopkeeper tackles sawn-off shotgun robbers
A shopkeeper tackled two armed robbers when they raided his corner shop holding a sawn-off shotgun.
The two robbers were reported to have burst into Lifestyle Express in Silver Court, Brownhills, and demanded the takings from the till at around 7.15pm on Tuesday.
However they fled empty-handed when shopkeeper Tony Bangar fended them off with a cricket bat.
Police were called on 999 and soon identified a flat on nearby Brownhills High Street where the robbers were thought to have fled to.
Armed officers raided the flat just after 9pm, arrested two men and found a firearm similar to the one used in the attempted robbery, as well as a improvised "slam gun" loaded with a shotgun cartridge.
The weapons were seized for forensic analysis.
The suspects, aged 21 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and firearms offences and remained in custody for questioning on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Jackie Nicholson, from West Midlands Police, said: “We have recovered two firearms, including one homemade gun.
"These are significant seizures and were undoubtedly designed to be used to commit serious offences.
“Inquiries at the scene helped us identify an address of interest which was quickly contained before officers moved in to make arrests.
“We understood the offenders may have pulled a firearm on a member of the public shortly before the robbery.
“We are appealing for witnesses. If anyone saw two men in the area shortly before the incident or them running from the scene we would like to hear from them.”
Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting crime reference 20WS/76045F/20, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
