A SHOPKEEPER who fought off an armed robber has vowed to continue protecting his livelihood despite being targeted for the second time in six months.

Mukesh Patel, who runs the Londis store in Tinker’s Drove, grabbed the man’s hand as he brandished a hand-held saw with a 12in blade and ordered him to open the till on Sunday.

He believes his defiant reaction frightened the offender who ran out of the shop immediately.

“It happened so quickly I didn’t have time to be scared,” said the popular shopkeeper who is known as Mike.

“I just reacted and it was over in a matter of seconds. He walked in and came straight to the till. I couldn’t hear what he was saying very clearly because his mouth was covered and I could only see his eyes.

“I think I actually scared him with my reaction as he pulled his hand away and ran straight off as I chased him. I don’t think he expected me to challenge him.

“I’m not frightened about working because things like this happen as part of the world we’re living in today.

“Like any shopkeeper I just want to protect my livelihood and I’ll continue to do just that.”

The offender struck between 3.10-4pm and is described as white, aged 25-35, stocky, 5ft 7in and was wearing a grey hooded top, scarf and zip-up jacket with an England logo on the back.

Det Con Tony Harlow, investigating, said: “This was a terrifying experience for the member of staff who showed great bravery to chase the offender out of the shop.”

Mr Patel was assaulted in July last year when an attacker punched him in the face before stealing a briefcase which contained a “substantial” amount of money from his shop’s takings.

Anyone with any information should call DC Harlow on 0345 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.