Brave shopkeeper fights off armed robber with pet repellent spray

  • Walsall
. Credit: West Midlands Police

A robber armed with a handgun was forced to flee empty-handed when a shopkeeper fought him off - using pet repellent spray.

CCTV from Kobani Stores in West Bromwich Street, Walsall, shows the gunman storming into the shop and appearing to grab another customer, threatening him with the weapon before pointing it at the 39-year-old shopkeeper.

But, undeterred, the store worker reaches down beneath the counter and grabbed the repellent, designed to help train animals such as dogs, and begins spraying the would-be thief.

The man trips over a snack stand in his hurry to get out the door.

Detectives have now praised the shopkeeper's bravery during the robbery, which happened shortly before midnight on January 9.

He then points the gun at the shopkeeper Credit: West Midlands Police
The quick-thinking shopkeeper grabs repellent spray and begins spraying the gunman Credit: West Midlands Police
The robber flees as the shop worker continues spraying Credit: West Midlands Police

Det Cons Gerry Maley, from Walsall CID, said they believe the robber had two accomplices who waited by the door while he went inside - and urged witnesses to come forward.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact DC Maley on 101, quoting incident 20WS/7007D/17