A shopkeeper used a shoe and a coat hanger to protect herself from a knifeman who tried to rob her Luton fabric store.

The man threatened the victim, who runs Deen's Fabrics in Leagrave Road, with a knife, before demanding cash.

But he ran off empty handed when he saw a customer calling the police.

Beds Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 3pm on Thursday, June 23.


PC Sabina McMahon, investigating, said the knifeman was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 3ins tall, of large build and wearing a grey hooded top with a zip up the front, grey jogging bottoms and a white balaclava.

She said: "The victim suffered a small cut to a hand during the incident but luckily she was otherwise unhurt.

"This incident happened in broad daylight and I am keen to trace anyone who saw a man matching this description either loitering in the area of the shop prior to the incident or someone running from the scene."

If you have any information relating to this crime, contact PC McMahon at Luton Police Station, text your message to 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.