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Three robbers armed with sticks ‘no match’ for barman, 71, who fights off thugs at Heywood working club

A 71-year-old barman showed his ‘strength of character’ when he bravely fought off three armed robbers after being brutally assaulted at a Heywood working men’s club.

Three men armed with sticks and wearing balaclavas stormed Heap Bridge Working Men’s Club on Waterfold Lane, Heywood, demanding cash around 12.15am on Sunday September 7.

But the 71-year-old barman refused before throwing a tray of glasses at them.

He was then dragged to the floor and kicked repeatedly by the robbers who demanded he open the safe.

When he again refused, the men ran off. 

Detective Sergeant Tony Dixon said: “I must first praise the bravery that this man showed to fight off the attackers and make sure they left empty handed. 

“Three men armed with sticks were no match for his strength of character, which did not waver even when they pulled him to the ground and started to assault him. 

“It also shows the cowardice of these offenders, who were forced to run away with nothing after he stood up to them.”

The first offender is described as 6ft tall, medium build, with a local accent. He was wearing khaki-coloured clothing and a balaclava. 

The second man is 5ft 8in tall, slim build and was wearing a balaclava. 

The third offender is 5ft 6in tall and was wearing a balaclava.

Detective Sergeant Dixon added: “We need people who may have seen these men in the area at the time to come forward and contact us on the numbers below.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks

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