A BRAVE shopkeeper was stabbed while fighting off a would-be thief in Flixton.

Police have released CCTV footage of the incident, which happened at about 8.30pm on Tuesday, April 14, at the Premiere Stores shop in Carrington Road.

The raider jumped over the counter brandishing a large kitchen knife and started wrestling with the shopkeeper, demanding that he hand over money.

A police spokesman said: “During the struggle he stabbed the shopkeeper, leaving him with injuries to his ear and finger.

“But the victim bravely fought to protect his business, managing to push the offender away from the counter area before chasing the empty-handed thief out of the door.”

The knifeman is described as white, between 16-18 years old and was wearing black clothing and a red and black covering over his face.

Det Con Andrew Warren said: “First of all, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim, who despite suffering a stab wound still managed to fight off his attacker and ensure he ran away with nothing.

“However, this attack shows just how important it is that we identify this offender as soon as possible, as he was willing to resort to potentially lethal force for the sake of a few pounds.

“I would like to ask people to have a good look at the footage.

“I know his face is covered but if there is anything about his clothes, the way he walks or anything that you think you recognise, please contact police.

“Alternatively, if you were in the area at the time and believe you saw anything which may of significance to the investigation please let us know.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.