4:32pm Thursday 21st June 2012
By Simon Farr
A BRAVE partially sighted Wycombe man fought off a "cowardly" knife-wielding attacker with his walking cane last night.
Tony Hobson - who can only see three feet in front of him - was walking home after nipping to the Merco garage in Micklefield Road to buy a bottle of coke when he heard footsteps running towards him.
A teenager flashed a blade as he demanded the 55-year-old hand over his phone - but the fearless former Tesco security guard smashed the attacker in the neck with his white roller stick and the teen fled the scene.
Mr Hobson, who also battles arthritis and illness, said: "I was shocked, the only thing I could think of was to grab my stick and whack him.
"I caught him right in the neck, it must have hurt as he said ‘ow’ and ran.
"I called my wife who came out to meet me, as I was worried I was being followed or they would come back. It was a cowardly attack."
The father of two said the attack has left him "shaken" but he vowed the attempted robbery would not stop him from leading a normal life.
He said: "I was shocked and it has left me a little shaken, but I’m a confident person and this won’t stop me, I’ll do my best to get about."
Superintendent Gilbert Houalla called the attack, which happened at about 9.30pm on Wednesday, "low" and launched a witness appeal.
PC Chris Hatton added: "It is disgusting to think someone would attempt to rob a man who was walking with the aid of a white roller stick.
"The offender may have suffered an injury so I would ask people to be vigilant and consider whether someone has suffered a recent injury which is unexplained."
The teenage attacker is described as dark-skinned, about 5ft 9ins, wearing a grey hooded jumper, blue denim jeans and white trainers at the time of the incident. Mr Hobson said he spoke with an Asian accent.
Contact police on the non-emergency 101 enquiry line or alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org with any information.
© Copyright 2001-2013 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/trade_directory/