A shop owner who was threatened by a knife-wielding robber has spoken about the ordeal.

Thamjarajah Pratheepan, 44, owner of Croxley Village Minimart in Watford Road, said he was “scared” when the armed robber threatened him yesterday morning.

Mr Pratheepan said the thief entered his store and demanded cigarettes. He asked if he could get them on credit but Mr Pratheepan refused because he did not recognise the man.

After the refusal, Mr Pratheepan said the robber became agitated. He said his face became “very angry” and he clenched his fists.

He said he did not want to argue with the man because he could tell that he was dangerous and it was at this point that the thief pulled the knife out and threatened him with it.

Mr Pratheepan said: “I was scared – the knife was very big, and he was a big, strong guy.

“I tried to back away from him and get out of the store. I knew I needed to be able to get outside to be OK.

“As soon as I saw the knife, I put my arms up and started heading towards the door but I made sure I grabbed my phone on the way out.”

After Mr Pratheepan went outside, the robber stuffed cigarettes and a tub of Pringles in his pockets and then began trashing the back of the shop.

When he noticed Mr Pratheepan was on the phone, he left the store and started walking away. Mr Pratheepan said the robber watched him the whole way and then kicked and smashed the bins.

Mr Pratheepan described the incident as very “unusual” for Croxley Green.

Sergeant Robert Muir, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “This was an isolated incident. No members of the public were injured.”

  • A 20-year-old from Croxley Green has been charged with armed robbery, attempting to commit aggravated dwelling burglary in Cavendish Court and possession of a bladed article in a public place.