A Shropshire sub-postmaster today told how he feared for his life when a masked raider wielding an machete entered his village store and held it against his throat.The assailant struck at Albrighton’s Village Convenience Stores and Post Office yesterday. Customers and staff looked on in horror as Nirmal Sandhu managed to grab hold of the raider’s wrist and the machete, before pushing him out of the shop in Station Road.

The raider fled, jumping into a nearby car which sped off towards the centre of the village.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene and the shop and courtyard in front of it were cordoned off yesterday afternoon while investigations were carried out.

Mr Sandhu, 50, suffered cuts to three fingers and a thumb, but was back at work today. He said he had been checking off a delivery shortly after 2pm when he heard a man enter the stores.

Mr Sandhu, who has run the business for five years, said: “He grabbed me from behind and held a machete, which was about 18in, to my throat. He said ‘open the post office safe’.

“But I held him by the wrist and held the machete. I overpowered him. I did not let him go and I pushed him outside.

“I had to make a decision. I was not scared, but I did fear for my life. I was relieved when I had him outside the shop.

“Everybody was shocked to see me so calm. It was very dangerous. One wrong slip and it could have been the end.”

Maria Hawkaluk, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said two men had since been arrested on suspicion of robbery. A blue Ford Escort was found on fire by police outside the village.

She added that police arrested had two men at an address in the Wolverhampton area a short time later and a red Ford Mondeo had been recovered.

The men were taken into custody at Shrewsbury where they are due to be interviewed.

Detective Sergeant Alan Crossley, of Bridgnorth CID, today appealed for anyone who might have information about the incident to contact him on 08457 444888.

By Lizzie Yates