Video emerges of moment Birmingham shopkeeper fought back against armed robber

Unbelievably calm reaction from shopkeeper later saw the robbers off

The unbelievably calm reaction of a Birmingham shopkeeper to an armed robbery has been captured on CCTV.

The unnamed man from Kings Norton, on the southern outskirts of Birmingham in the West Midlands, remained composed when two men burst into his shop and demanded he empty the till.

Caught by the store’s CCTV, the shopkeeper at first looks taken aback when a masked man - waving what appears to be a small handgun - enters Vardon Supermarket and demands money.

The two men, who are both described as being white and in their 20s, later fled the scene with only a crate of beer and a mobile phone to show for their efforts.

Footage of the robbery, which occurred around 7.30pm on 5 January, has been released by West Midlands Police in an effort to track down the culprits.

"This was a violent and frightening robbery by two men who had no regard for the safety of the shopkeeper or his customers,” said investigating office DC Kate Morris.

"The shopkeeper acted bravely to defend his livelihood and in this case it paid off, but the reality is this could have ended in tragedy. We would not recommend acts of heroism when confronted by a potentially loaded gun.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the men to contact me on 101."

Anyone not wishing to speak to a police officer can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.