CCTV footage shows aftermath of attempted robbery

The masked man had tried to rob Link News in Worcester Road on Saturday, August 26 but was fought off by shopkeeper Soran Sharifi.

We told last week how quick-thinking Mr Sharifi had used a cardboard box to defend himself when the attacker came at him with a knife.

The would-be robber then fled after Mr Sharifi told him he recognised him.

Mr Sharifi reckons he knows his attacker and says customers have helped to try and identify who he thinks it is.

Soran Sharifi shows how he fought off the robber using a cardboard box (Image: SWNS)

Malvern Gazette readers have been praising Mr Sharifi’s bravery - and commenting on how helpful he is when they call into his shop.

“Always a pleasant guy,” said Em Jenkins, “how awful to go through that and worrying [that it is] so local.”

Thomas Baker said: “Respect to the shopkeeper, always friendly and helpful! Glad he’s ok!”

READ MORE: Malvern shopkeeper fights off knife-wielding robber from shop

Sylvia Clarke added: “This man is also so pleasant and helpful, what is wrong with people? Glad he wasn’t hurt.”

Daisy Day said: “Well done to the shop owner for standing up to the coward with the knife.”

West Mercia Police said CID was running an investigation into the attempted robbery.

PC Luke Prew described it as a “very scary incident that thankfully is not a regular occurence in Malvern”, adding that he hoped the offender would be brought to justice soon.

“The following day I came to the link to speak as many people as I could,” he said. “All of the intelligence and information gained has been fed back to the investigating officer. The CCTV coverage from stores will be vital in the investigation.

“I wanted to say thank you for your help with this. If you have any further key information please feel free to call 101 and quote 00446_i_26082023.”