Man, 74, uses wrench to chase off robbers

Published on Wednesday 7 January 2009 23:58

A BRAVE grandfather forced two robbers to flee for their lives – by attacking them with a wrench.

John Byrne, 74, was confronted by two men, armed with a knife, screwdriver and claw hammer, who tried to burgle his house.

But he had his toolbox at the front door and was able to grab a large wrench. He hit one of them on the head with it and both ran off empty-handed.

Mr Byre, of Carluke, Lanarkshire, said: "These guys must have thought I was a soft touch because I was a pensioner.

"But I'm relatively strong and fit for my age. I hope I've made them think twice about doing anything like this again.

"They are cowards and I hope they get what's coming to them."

He added: "When I opened the door, I saw one of the men had a knife and the other had a screwdriver and a hammer.

"I offered them some money, hoping they would accept that and leave. They refused this and said they were coming inside, but by that time I had managed to pick up a wrench, which I used to defend myself.

"I was lucky I had something to hand. I dread to think what would have happened otherwise.

I thought to myself I was either going to die or I was going to get them out.

"One of the men went for me so I put up a fight, and he started screaming for help.

"I was then hit on the head by the other man, but I turned and asked him if it was his best shot. The two then ran off."

Mr Byrne was left with head injuries, cuts and bruises after the raid, which happened days before Christmas.

Chief Inspector Colin Murphy, of Strathclyde Police, said: "It was incredibly brave of John to do what he did.

"We are conducting a positive line of inquiry."