Shopkeeper wrestles with axe robber

A shopkeeper was praised by police today after he tackled and detained a robber armed with an axe in his store.

A youth waved the weapon in Chiyagarajah Achelvam's face and demanded cigarettes at 9.30 last night.

Mr Achelvam, 32, vaulted the counter and wrestled with the suspect until he let go of the 18-inch short-handled axe. The shopkeeper then made the raider sit at the back of the food and wine store in South Lane, New Malden, until police arrived.

Detective Constable Ron Harvey said of Sri Lankan-born Mr Achelvam: "While we do not wish to take anything away from his outstanding bravery, we do not advise people to tackle armed robbers."

A 16-year-old is being questioned by detectives.