A man reportedly carrying an axe walked into a convenience store in Peterhead and attempted to steal some money – before being chased away by shoppers throwing Irn-Bru bottles.
The would-be thief was surprisingly rebuffed by two brave customers who managed to chase him out of the shop.
The alarming incident occurred around 3.30pm on Thursday, June 16 at the Premier Meethill store in Peterhead.
Shop worker Edvardas Dervis said: “At first we just laughed, we thought it was a joke. But the second time he said it we realised he was serious.”
Fought off with Irn-Bru
After the culprit demanded five or six times that he open the till, one of the customers started throwing things at him from the shop shelves.
Mr Dervis added: “One of the customers just started chucking items at him, whatever was near his hands.
“When one of the customers pushed him into the corner of the shop by throwing items, I ran away from the shop to call police because I wasn’t able to push the button because it was too far.”
“Physically I’m ok, obviously I wasn’t hurt, but mentally I’m definitely having PTSD now.
“It’s really scary stuff. You don’t get that every day. I was walking to work today and I’m just scared that he’ll come back. You never know.”
Max Maksimskadis, another employee, said his colleague was by himself in the shop when the man approached him holding an axe.
In what Mr Maksimskadis described as a “real Tom and Jerry moment”, the customers started to chase the man with axe around the Peterhead store.
An Irn-Bru bottle was thrown at the axe-wielder by one of the loyal customers giving chase before the culprit gave up and ran out of the store.
The employee and customers were left a bit shaken, however, no one was injured.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Stephen Smith commended those involved in chasing the man away.
He said: “I know this shop fairly well and was a regular customer there pre-pandemic as it was close to my workplace. This must have been quite terrifying for the staff member involved and I’m glad that no-one was hurt in the incident.
“Though I would never recommend tackling anyone wielding an axe, the customers who saw-off the would-be thief should be commended for their bravery and quick thinking.”
Mr Maksimskadis added: “The whole thing lasted about 30 to 40 seconds.
“It’s odd because it was in the middle of the day. Kids were just coming out of school so there were a lot of witnesses.”
Police inquiries ongoing
Police were called to the premises on Berryden Road following the incident on Thursday.
A police spokesman confirmed an investigation has now been launched.
He said: “Officers received a report of an attempted robbery with a weapon at a store on Berryden Road in Peterhead around 3.30pm on Thursday, June 16.
“The man demanded money before running off and no one was injured. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
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