A SHOPKEEPER saw off a would-be robber on Friday night by overpowering him rather than handing over the demanded cash.

A teenage boy entered Rae's Off Licence on Sunningdale Avenue just before 9pm on Frriday night and demanded money.

The shopkeeper, who had been about to close up for the night, refused and started to grapple with his unwelcome guest.

The struggle moved out onto the street before the thief eventually ran off.

He is described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall and of stocky, verging on chubby build. He spoke with a Widnes accent.

He was wearing a dark balaclava, a black crew neck top, dark trousers and runners.

Anybody who say anything suspicious in the Sunningdale Avenue area around 9pm on Friday, or who can help police in this case is asked to contact Det Con Keith Logan at Widnes CID on 01244 613 733.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.