Shopkeeper takes 'sweet revenge'

Mr Patel threw a box of Topic bars at the robber

A shopkeeper scared off an axe-wielding masked robber who tried to steal his takings - by throwing a box of chocolate bars at him.

Newsagent Praful Patel, 60, who runs Town Street Stores in Pinxton, Derbyshire, used a box of Topic bars.

"I was filling shelves - and I happened to have a full box of chocolates so I threw it at him," he said.

Police are appealing for information about the robber who was wearing a black balaclava, blue jacket and jeans.

'Waving an axe'

Mr Patel said he ran to the back of the shop and when he looked back the robber had gone.

"I was scared as it has never happened before. I did it as an instinct - anyone would do the same thing," he said.

Derbyshire Police said the robber came into the shop "waving an axe" on 16 June but left without any cash.

An investigation continues into the attempted robbery, a police spokeswoman said.