Petrol station boss tells of terror as he fights off robber in 'V for Vendetta' mask

A petrol station owner has spoken of the moment he heroically fended off a masked armed robber during a terrifying ambush.

Himanshu Aligh, who fought off a suspected gunman wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, said his “instinct” kicked in to prevent the attack.

The 34-year-old was locking up Murco Garage, in Tiverton, Devon, on Sunday when he was approached from behind.

He was locking the door of the garage when he was attacked by a man who he thought had a gun, he said.

He added: “My first thought was that I was really scared, and that was when I fell into the shop, it just didn’t feel real.

“Nobody is ready for something like that really. After I fell I just held his gun and felt like I had to fight back.”

“I think it was just my instinct, you can’t just let someone have what they want.”

CCTV footage of the attack in Blundells Road shows Mr Aligh bravely fight off the masked man, before the suspected robber made an escape.

Officers in Devon are investigating reports of the armed robbery, a spokeswoman for the force said.

Detective Sergeant Simon Andrews, said: “It was reported that a male offender approached the victim from behind whilst he was locking up the garage. The offender was believed to be in possession of a firearm and had his face covered with a Guy Fawkes mask.

“An altercation subsequently took place on the forecourt before the offender left on foot in the direction of Heathcote Way. Thankfully the victim was uninjured during the incident and the offender fled the scene empty handed.

“The offender is described as a white male of medium build and around 5ft 7ins tall. He had short dark hair, with a receding hairline and a bald patch. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and a distinctive light blue hooded top that had white cords. He also had what appeared to be black electrical tape wrapped around his left arm.

“We would appeal for any witnesses and anyone with any information to contact police.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting CR/014800/19.