A SHOP worker fought off a hooded robber who hit him over the head with a wine bottle.

Mohammed Handra, who works part-time at the Wensley Mini Market, Blackburn, was subjected to a ‘shocking’ ordeal when the man tried to steal the till.

But the 49-year-old, who has been praised for his bravery, managed to disarm the thief before rugby tackling him around the waist and pushing him out of the shop.

Mr Handra, who was serving alone in the empty shop in Wensley Road, said he watched the man, who used a scarf and hood to disguise his face, pick up and carry several bottles of wine to the counter.

When he asked for ID, the man leant forward and grabbed one of bottles before using it to strike Mr Handra on the back of the head.

Although suffering suspected concussion from the blow, Mr Handra said he grabbed the bottle back, only to be confronted again by the robber who had picked up a large bottle of Lambrini wine.

The thief then lunged behind the cash desk where he tried to take the till.

Mr Handra said he then rugby tackled the man around the waist and forced him back, bundled him out of the shop and locked the door.

The father-of-two, who also works as a care assistant at Mapleford Nursing Home in Huncoat, said: “I was a bit suspicious when the man came in because his face was covered.

“But I became more concerned after he kept going back to the shelf for more bottles of wine because it’s a bit of an unusual thing to do.

“When he lunged and hit me with a bottle I knew I had to fight back.

“He grabbed a very heavy bottle of Lambrini which would have knocked me out had he struck me with it.

“I didn’t want him to get away with anything so tried my best and fortunately I managed to get him out of the shop empty handed.

“Once everything sunk in I was very shocked and scared because I’d been on my own so anything could have happened.

“I only work at the shop 16 hours each month but I think it’s just best to try carry on as normal.”

Shop owner Fida Ashraf, praised Mr Handra, of Bromley Street, for his bravery.

He said: “I was shocked to hear what happened.

“I have so much respect and honour for him for what he did but will now be getting a panic button installed so that staff aren’t forced into these situations in the future.”

Police are examining forensic evidence to try and catch the culprit who struck at 8.10pm on Wednesday.

Det Sgt Adrian McHugh said: “This man was subjected to a violent attack but despite being hit with a bottle he responded very bravely and is now providing us with a full account to help with our investigation.

“We would appeal to anyone with information about the incident to call us on 101.”