Armed thief pours petrol on shop worker during robbery in Leigh
Police appeal for witnesses after man carrying axe strikes
An armed thief poured petrol over a staff member during an attempted robbery at ASDA in Leigh.
Shortly before 22.45pm on Friday 28 July 2017, a man carrying an axe entered the store on Windermere Road.
The man was approached by a staff member but he proceeded to pour what’s believed to have been petrol on the floor and the worker, before threatening to set him on fire.
The offender was then chased out of store by the worker and fled in the direction of Leigh Road.
He has been described as 5ft 8” tall and of slim build, wearing blue jeans, trainers, a grey hoody and a black mask to conceal his face.
Police have released a CCTV image in the hope that someone might have information about the man pictured.
Detective Constable Chris Waddicar of GMP’s Wigan borough, said: “This was a brazen attack and the staff member showed incredible bravery in standing up to the offender.
“Fortunately he wasn’t injured but nobody should have to come into work and be put through such a traumatic experience when they are just trying to do their job.
“We have launched an investigation and I would ask that anybody who thinks they may know something that can assist with our investigation to please contact police.
”If you saw the man pictured in the area around the time of the offence, or have any information about him, then please also get in touch."
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 2203 of 28 July 2017, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.