Chorley newsagent tells how he defied armed robber (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley newsagent tells how he defied armed robber

6:11pm Tuesday 7th September 2010 in

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A BRAVE newsagent defied an armed robber who pointed a gun at his head by telling him: there's no way you're getting any of my money.

Simon Rigby said 'instinct took over' when he stared down the barrel of the weapon and was ordered to 'open the till'.

After refusing the request, Mr Rigby said the robber looked 'agitated' and momentarily froze.

Then shopkeeper then made a move to detain the gunman, but he ran off. He gave chase but was unable to catch him.

Chorley professional boxer Michael Jennings then inadvertently got caught up in the subsequent police pursuit.

He was out running in training for his upcoming British Championship bout on September 18 when officers pulled him over.

The former British champion and world title challenger said: "They told me to put my hands above my head and I got questioned about an armed robbery.

“When they asked me my name they said ‘oh sorry Mick, didn't recognise you with the hat on’.

“Well I did have a sweat suit on, black hat and black gloves and was sweating like a pig.”

Mr Rigby has been hailed by police as 'courageous' for 'refusing to respond to threats and intimidation' at Rigby’s News and Books, Eaves Lane, Chorley.

The robber burst in at 5.25pm on Monday brandishing the handgun.

Mr Rigby, 42, who has run the newsagents for around 20 years, said: “I was working alone and there was nobody in the shop when the man came and pointed the gun at my face.

“He shouted ‘open the till’ and then repeated himself very loudly. He was very agitated.

“I told him there was no way he was getting any of my money and he just stood there.”

Mr Rigby told how he tried to capture the robber: “I made a move towards him. I suppose instinct took over.

“He then turned round and made a run for it. He stumbled and I was a split second from getting hold of him, but he got out of the shop and ran.”

Outside, Mr Rigby saw another man who he believes was a lookout, who also fled in the direction of Pennine Road.

Both the men were dressed in dark clothing, with hooded tops concealing their faces, they are described as being in their late teens or early 20s.

A major police operation was launched after the attempted robbery with the shop and pavement outside sealed off for forensic examination.

Officers flooded the area in an attempt to pursue the suspects and reassure nearby residents.

Detective Sergeant John Entwisle, who is leading the police inquiry, praised Mr Rigby's actions.

He said: "This gentleman acted very bravely in refusing to respond to threats and intimidation.

"To stand up to someone who is being so intimidating was courageous.

"Gun crime is extremely rare in Chorley and this kind of incident is highly unusual."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Chorley CID on 01257 246335 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.