Postmaster slashed in robbery bid

Feb 5 2010 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

A BRAVE sub postmaster was slashed on the face yesterday as he tackled a knife-wielding raider who demanded cash from his till.

The armed yob got more than he bargained for when gutsy Nigel Calladine, 50, decided to take him on during the attempted hold up as shoppers looked on in horror.

His wife Katrina is believed to have stepped in to help her husband as he tried to detain the armed man.

As screaming women rushed out of the Post Office in Lochaline Avenue, Paisley, a couple of men rushed in and helped disarm and forcibly subdue the vicious thug.

Mr Calladine suffered a gash on his face and a cut to his hand which meant he had to be taken to the nearby Royal Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

The brutal attacker was taken the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow with a head injury.

When police arrived at the scene in Foxbar just around lunchtime they cordoned off the business which remained closed for the rest of the day.

The drama unfolded around 12.20pm yesterday as customers were queuing inside the post office and newsagents.

As Nigel and Katrina served a man walked in brandishing a blade and ordered the owner to give him money.

Seconds later Mr Calladine tackled the raider and a fight erupted.

One source said: It was quite a courageous thing to do to take the knifeman on. Nigels not small but he had his hands full dealing with an armed raider.

The first thing I knew about it was when I heard screams coming from inside the shop and saw some women running out into the street.

It may have been Katrina because she was helping her husband fight off the raider.

A couple of men must have heard the screams too because they ran into the shop and helped get the weapon off the ned.

I heard it was quite a struggle.

Someone set off an alarm and police were at the scene minutes later. Two ambulances turned up too and I think the two injured men had wounds to their heads.

The source added: The people who tackled the raider were very brave and they did well to disarm him and keep him there until the police came.

They should get a medal for what they did.

Police confirmed a man had been arrested following the incident.

He added: A suspect, aged 35, faces a charge of assault with intent to rob.

He is expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court today.

If anyone has information that might help this inquiry we would ask them to ring Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900.