CCTV shows terrifying moment axe-wielding robber threatens shop staff

A thug who was caught on CCTV threatening staff with an AXE during a terrifying shop robbery has been jailed for seven years.

Zia Rafiq, 38, can be seen in shocking footage wildly swinging the blade in the direction of a female worker after he stormed the Lifestyle Express store on January 17.

The wide-eyed yob repeatedly lashed out over the shop counter as he demanded cash during the raid in Birchills, Walsall.

One courageous customer who was in the shop at the time can be seen bravely trying to intervene - but Rafiq continued the frenzied attack undetered.

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Eventually the staff member passed him a bag of coins before Rafiq fled from the store.

Rafiq, of Alumwell Road, Walsall, was identified from CCTV images by a police officer, but insisted he was elsewhere when the robbery took place.

He eventually pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court on April 24.