A COURAGEOUS shop owner has told how he fought off an axe wielding intruder — by pelting him with vodka battles.

Dalbir Shergill, owner of Food and Drink 4U store, in Green Street, Atherton, threw the bottles when the man pulled out the axe and demanded cash and cigarettes.

Fearing for himself and his livelihood Mr Shergill threw two bottles of vodka at the thief, which hit the offender in the head and smashed.

Panicked, the would-be thief then fled.

Police have arrested and bailed a 16-year-old boy for the incident which occurred on April 15 around 2.40pm.

Speaking after the attack Mr Shergill, aged 60, from Hindley, Wigan said: "He came in to the store and I couldn't see his face but he pulled the axe out of his bag and leaned over the counter and started taking cigarettes while shouting 'give me your money, give me your money'.

"In the moment I just grabbed and threw a bottle of vodka but he was still leaning over the counter so I threw another one.

"I was very scared, it was a very bad thing that happened.

"I knew I had to just do anything and had to make him scared because I didn't want that axe coming at my head.

"It looks brave now but I was just defending myself.

"It was a nightmare."

While on the phone to police Mr Shergill said the attacker came back on two separate occasions in different clothing, the first time to ask for a lighter and the second to tell the owner he had been mugged and had lost his phone- both items which he dropped in store at the time of the attack.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and bailed until 8 June pending further inquiries.

The thief is described as being white, wearing dark clothing and had his face covered by an unknown item of clothing.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.

Detective Constable Andrew Partington said: "The shopkeeper quite literally fought for his livelihood: he was confronted by a man brandishing a small axe and instinct took over.

"The thief underestimated the bravery this man showed in the face of adversity and when struck on the head by two flying vodka bottles, he lost his bottle and fled empty-handed.

"However, the fact he did not succeed in stealing anything does not detract from the seriousness of his actions and we need to identify who the offender is and bring them to justice.

"I would therefore urge anyone who has information about this attempted robbery to call us.

"Perhaps you witnessed the offender going into or out of the shop or you suspect who may be involved. If you do have information then please call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.